Antique French Napoleon III Crystal and Ormolu Casket with Cherubs and Garlands, c. 1860–1880
This is the piece everyone asked about when it came out of the suitcase. A clear crystal casket of gently swelling form, completely dressed in gilt bronze: a reeded and foliate-chased collar at the rim, a matching band at the base, and between them a lattice of pierced floral swags and ribbons from which two winged cherubs hang, each one modelled in the round and clasping a trailing garland of flowers.
The lid is applied with a pierced and chased mount of flowers and foliage radiating from a tall acorn finial, and the whole thing is carried on a swing handle of beaded gilt bronze that pivots at the sides. Four pierced scroll feet lift it off the surface so light passes right through the crystal. The lid sits loosely on the body and lifts away.
Ormolu-mounted crystal of this kind is pure Second Empire luxury, made in Paris when the taste for gilt bronze on glass was at its height. Pieces like this were sold as biscuit barrels, sweetmeat jars and dressing-table caskets, and they were meant to be seen: on a sideboard, a vanity or a coffee table, it is a small sculpture that happens to be useful.
Gilt bronze mounts complete, both cherubs and all garlands intact. Handle pivots freely.
An exceptional and very decorative example of Napoleon III crystal and ormolu, and a true statement piece.
