Baccarat Opaline Vase
- Item No.
Print Page
Item Details
- Height:
15 1/2 Inches - Period:
19th Century - Origin:
France
A work of stunning glass artistry, this outstanding Baccarat opaline vase boasts exceptional color and detail. Almost certainly the work of Baccarat artist Jean-Francois Robert, this baluster form vessel is adorned with finely painted panels of loose bouquets featuring poppies, roses, morning glories, irises and other flowers, framed by intricate gilt foliate scrollwork. An applied torsade rim of cobalt-blue ribbon within spiraling white threads completes this striking design. Glass by Baccarat is among the most beloved in the world. The renowned firm only made opaline glass for a short time, so to find such an extraordinary item, in such wonderful condition, is truly rare.
Jean-François Robert developed a technique for painting on glass, involving special low melting point enamel formulas, and patented the process in the 1830s. Robert was a leading porcelain decorator for Sevres, but worked exclusively for Baccarat, where he was responsible for decorating the more important pieces of the novel and wildly popular opaline glass, from 1843 until 1855.
Circa 1850
15 1/2" high
The French House of Baccarat has been internationally recognized for its magnificent glass creations for over 200 years. During the mid-19th century, their chandeliers and tableware were favored greatly by European royalty, including Louis XVIII, Charles X, Louis Phillipe, Emperor Napoleon III, Czar Nicholas II, and numerous sultans and maharajahs throughout the Middle East. The royal courts of India, in particular, provided Baccarat with some of their most astonishing commissions for such items as thrones, tombs and chandeliers such as this phenomenal example. In fact, a chandelier created for the Maharajah of Gwalior, was so ornate and massive that it brought down with it the roof of his palace! Baccarat is still regarded as the finest glassmaker in Europe and is known as both the Crystal of Kings and the King of Crystal.
Jean-François Robert developed a technique for painting on glass, involving special low melting point enamel formulas, and patented the process in the 1830s. Robert was a leading porcelain decorator for Sevres, but worked exclusively for Baccarat, where he was responsible for decorating the more important pieces of the novel and wildly popular opaline glass, from 1843 until 1855.
Circa 1850
15 1/2" high
The French House of Baccarat has been internationally recognized for its magnificent glass creations for over 200 years. During the mid-19th century, their chandeliers and tableware were favored greatly by European royalty, including Louis XVIII, Charles X, Louis Phillipe, Emperor Napoleon III, Czar Nicholas II, and numerous sultans and maharajahs throughout the Middle East. The royal courts of India, in particular, provided Baccarat with some of their most astonishing commissions for such items as thrones, tombs and chandeliers such as this phenomenal example. In fact, a chandelier created for the Maharajah of Gwalior, was so ornate and massive that it brought down with it the roof of his palace! Baccarat is still regarded as the finest glassmaker in Europe and is known as both the Crystal of Kings and the King of Crystal.
