1900s Set of 8 Saint-Louis “Thistle Gold” Crystal Bowls — Signed

Details

Description

An exquisite set of eight French Saint-Louis crystal bowls in the celebrated Thistle Gold (Chardon) pattern. Each bowl is hand-blown … Read more An exquisite set of eight French Saint-Louis crystal bowls in the celebrated Thistle Gold (Chardon) pattern. Each bowl is hand-blown crystal measuring approximately 3.5 inches in diameter, finished with a wide band of richly etched 24k gold gilding at the rim that frames a delicate raised acanthus-scroll motif against a frosted ground. Fine cut-diamond and fan detailing radiates from the base, catching the light beautifully. Each piece carries the Saint-Louis acid-etched mark.

The Thistle pattern was created for the 1908 Nancy exhibition at the height of the Art Nouveau movement; the original French “Chardon” was later anglicized to “Thistle” and has graced the finest tables ever since. Produced by Saint-Louis — France’s oldest crystal house, established in 1586 — these bowls embody the maison’s hallmark combination of clarity, weight, and opulent gilt-work.

Beautifully versatile: lovely as finger bowls, dessert or sauce dishes, caviar service, or elegant catch-alls. A matched, signed set of eight is increasingly difficult to find. See less