French Belle Époque Pewter Vase With Laurel Garland

Details

Description

A branch of oak leaves and acorns winds down the neck of this French pewter vase, leading the eye to … Read more A branch of oak leaves and acorns winds down the neck of this French pewter vase, leading the eye to a sweeping garland of laurel draped across its shoulders. At the front, the laurel sprays cross beneath a sculpted ribbon, its ends falling gracefully against the rounded body. At either side the foliage rises free of the surface, forming delicate handles and giving the vase the richness of a small sculpture.
The long, tapering neck and rolled rim lend height to the composition, while the full body gives the garland room to unfold. Below, a fluted foot carries a small spray of laurel above a ribbon-tied cartouche at the base. The design joins two currents of the Belle Époque. The laurel, ribbons and fluting recall the classical elegance of Louis XVI style, while the naturalistic oak branch reflects the Art Nouveau fascination with living forms. The aged pewter has a soft luster that catches on the raised leaves and settles into the recesses, revealing the depth of the work.
Found in northern France, this vase carries a mark long favored by the region's pewterers. The crowned rose originally promised metal of the finest quality, made from English tin, which was prized above all others in Europe. The small letters set within the crown identify the piece as Continental, since English pewterers never placed initials inside the crown or rose. The separate stamp reads EF, most likely the initials of the maker or workshop.
Measures 17.5H x 7.5 in diameter
Circa 1890’s
Available at Inessa Stewarts Antiques in Dallas Texas See less