Napoleon III Crystal Liquor Decanter from Baccarat, France, 1880s, Set of 21

Details

Description

Liqueur decanter, wood, ormolu, engraved baccarat crystal, napoleon iii, circa 1880 – france

type: liqueur decanter
materials: wood, ormolu, engraved … Read more Liqueur decanter, wood, ormolu, engraved baccarat crystal, napoleon iii, circa 1880 – france

type: liqueur decanter
materials: wood, ormolu, engraved baccarat crystal
style: napoleon iii
period: late 19th century
country: france
good condition considering its age and use
closed dimensions: 26 x 33 x 25 cm
bottle dimensions (4): 20 x 7 x 7 cm
glass dimensions (16): 7.5 x 4 x 4 cm

a splendid french decanter, or boîte à liqueur, made of wood during the napoleon iii period (circa 1880). This is a small piece of furniture of exceptional refinement.

originally, these decanters were intended to accompany and embellish long carriage journeys. The box opens to elegantly display the liqueurs and the luxurious crystal service inside, crafted from acid-etched baccarat crystal with a floral pattern and a gilded rim. The french house of baccarat is a benchmark in the manufacture of high-quality crystal. Founded in 1764, baccarat arose from the efforts of a group of artisans dedicated to achieving the highest purity in crystal. They are considered true artists of this delicate material, having perfected their skills generation after generation.

during the 19th century, decanters became a symbol of luxury and an essential decorative object, coinciding with the consumption of the emerging bourgeoisie and their taste for luxury and decoration. They became established as a typical wedding gift during this period in france. Their shapes and decorations evolved, reaching their peak of splendor and refinement during the reign of napoleon iii.

this is a top-quality piece, crafted from precious wood. Inside is a sort of compartmentalized stand or tray where the decanters and crystal glasses are placed, which can be removed using the ormolu handle.

style and period: napoleon iii or second empire

the napoleon iii or second empire style gets its name from the fact that it originated in france during that period. Strictly speaking, the second empire was proclaimed in 1852 and ended in 1870, led by louis napoleon bonaparte as emperor of the french, although in an artistic sense it extended a few years longer (until 1880). This style was very popular among the french bourgeoisie. The emperor himself was involved in the artistic development of the time, although more closely linked to architecture. However, it is empress eugénie who is credited with the evolution of the decorative arts.

although inspired by past styles, beginning with classical antiquity, the renaissance, and even the louis xvi style, much beloved by eugénie, the most representative characteristic of the style is its sumptuousness and ostentation, always aspiring to display wealth and opulence.

it is not a style designed specifically for the second empire, but rather a revival of the various great french styles of previous centuries, a kind of compilation of french decorative trends. Special reference is made to louis xiv, louis xv, baroque, and rococo, and gradually to the eclectic louis xvi. Ultimately, these are the decorative styles that had positioned france at the forefront of interior design and furniture design in europe, both for quality and for originality and beauty.

these are highly ornamented pieces. The application of elements that simulated bronze was very common, as in this case with the brass inlay. Upholstery also experienced a period of splendor, almost completely concealing the structure of the chairs and armchairs. Dark woods, either stained or lacquered in dark colors, were commonly chosen, harmonizing with rich upholstery and gilded details. The style soon spread to other european countries, acquiring different names. In the united kingdom and its colonies, it is known as victorian style, although with some differences. See less