{"product_id":"antique-french-white-opaline-glass-sugar-bowl-with-lid-and-stand-gilt-vine-leaves-c-1840-1870","title":"Antique French White Opaline Glass Sugar Bowl with Lid and Under-plate| Satin-Frosted with Gilt Vine Leaves, c. 1855–1870","description":"\u003cp\u003eA three-piece French white opaline sugar bowl, or \u003cem\u003esucrier\u003c\/em\u003e, with its domed lid and matching underplate. Second Empire, when Paris glasshouses were turning out milky \"pâte de riz\" opaline with a satin, acid-frosted skin and dressing it in gold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gilding is what sets this one apart. Two tones of gold... a bright burnished band of ovals running around the shoulder, dipping into a sharp chevron at the front, and softer matte vine leaves trailing beneath it. The lid and the plate repeat the same band and leaf motif, so all three pieces read as one. A crossed-sprig device sits inside the chevron, very likely a stylized monogram or a decorator's flourish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRun a finger over the body and you feel the difference between the frosted exterior and the glossy interior. That contrast is the point of the technique: the satin surface takes the gold beautifully and gives the leaves their soft, hand-painted edge. Lift the lid and the inside glows that faintly blue-white opaline color no reproduction quite gets right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis exact form appears in Christine Vincendeau's reference \u003cem\u003eLes Opalines\u003c\/em\u003e (Éditions de l'Amateur, 1998, p. 102), as the sugar bowl from a white \"pâte de riz\" opaline water service with engraved and gilt decoration, dated 1855–1870.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse it for sugar, sea salt, or jewelry on a nightstand, or let it hold its own on a marble mantel. It also pairs beautifully with our French opaline scent bottles if you are building a vanity set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrigin: France, Paris region (unmarked, as is typical of the period)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeriod: c. 1855–1870, Second Empire (Napoleon III)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: White \"pâte de riz\" opaline glass, acid-frosted (satin) exterior, hand-applied gilt decoration in burnished and matte gold\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForm: Three pieces, covered bowl with domed lid and knob finial, on a fitted underplate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReference: Form illustrated in Christine Vincendeau, \u003cem\u003eLes Opalines\u003c\/em\u003e, Paris, 1998, p. 102 (sucrier from a \"verre d'eau\" service, 1855–1870)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 6 in. tall overall (bowl with lid, seated on plate); bowl 3.85 in. wide; plate 6.5 in. across\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCondition: Very good antique condition. Gilt shows light rubbing to the lid rim, plate rim, and high points of the leaves, consistent with age and gentle use. No chips or cracks noted. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Vintage Culture Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46087819100204,"sku":null,"price":525.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/7008\/7724\/files\/opaline-sugar-bowl-01.jpg?v=1788634506","url":"https:\/\/vintagecultureshop.com\/products\/antique-french-white-opaline-glass-sugar-bowl-with-lid-and-stand-gilt-vine-leaves-c-1840-1870","provider":"Vintage Culture Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}