{"title":"3.26 Finishing Touches","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"blue-john-closed-urn","title":"Blue John Closed Urn","description":"This beautiful ornamental urn is carved of rare Blue John Derbyshire spar, taken from the now-extinct Blue John Cavern in Derbyshire, England. Crafted in a classically-inspired shape, this closed urn evokes the elegance of the Georgian period. Since the Roman era, Blue John was used to create fine decorative wares. This intriguing stone demands a great deal of skill in its handling and was the material most favored by silversmith Matthew Boulton, especially for the creation of his stoneware vases. A soft and brittle stone, it responds very quickly to heat, and must be carefully dried in order to retain its original color. This urn is wonderful example of Blue John artistry. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1810 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 11 5\/8\" high\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Discovered by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, Blue John stone is found only among the caverns of Treak Cliff Hill near Castleton in Derbyshire, England. Celebrated for its unique bands of blues, purples, and violets, Blue John was in great demand during the 18th and early 19th centuries. The colorful and decorative stone was even worked into columns in some of the finest houses in Great Britain, most notably Chatsworth, home of the Duchess of Devonshire. The name ‘Blue John’ is thought to originate from the French term bleu et jaune, meaning blue and yellow. The largest veins of Blue John had disappeared by the early 19th century and today only two working Blue John Stone mines remain, producing only a miniscule amount of the precious stone. The small amount that remains is buried in the veins of limestone which reside deep within Treak Cliff Cavern and Blue John Cavern. Only 0.25 tons of the stone is extracted annually, and is sparingly reserved for small objects and jewelry.","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42401396621447,"sku":"30-0192","price":24500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-0192_1_feac737d-ab25-4006-81ff-36497768ff9f.png?v=1741386550"},{"product_id":"baccarat-art-nouveau-centerpieces","title":"Baccarat Art Nouveau Centerpieces","description":"This extraordinary and rare pair of centerpieces beautifully showcase the artistry of Baccarat crystal. Art Nouveau in style, the centerpieces feature large vases of frosted glass with masterfully cut designs at their flared peaks. Teardrop glass accents are elegantly draped from the vases’ rims, adding a delicate sense of movement to the stunning pieces. Three tulip-form shades of shimmering pink art glass are supported by gilded arms that protrude from the vases center in graceful arches, completing the stunning pieces. Exquisitely decorated with an etched floral motif, these centerpieces typify Baccarat’s interpretation of Art Nouveau.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBaccarat has long been internationally recognized for its extraordinary crystal creations. During the mid-19th century, their tableware was favored by European royalty, with the Russian aristocracy proving to be among their most loyal clientele. Prized for its clarity, detail and beauty of form, Baccarat crystal is truly some of the finest in the world.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCirca 1890\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n12” wide x 12” deep x 14” high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43231050530951,"sku":"30-3319","price":16850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-3319_1_c722af3c-cf78-45cb-a9e6-36594c421b09.png?v=1758655489"},{"product_id":"french-copper-and-enamel-cabinet-vase","title":"French Copper and Enamel Cabinet Vase","description":"A vivid array of bright colors distinguish this French enamel-over-copper cabinet vase. The detail of a woman boasting a shimmering blue dress is set within a pastoral scene. The enamel work is signed “Gamet.” \n\nCirca 1880 \n\n7” high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41239079256199,"sku":"29-5330","price":2450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/29-5330_1_a33a0500-a06b-45ab-839c-3f7dd7dec8f0.png?v=1712738933"},{"product_id":"english-cameo-glass-vase","title":"English Cameo Glass Vase","description":"A lovely English peach cameo glass vase decorated with a leafy vine motif. Excellent condition.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCirca 1880\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n5\" diameter x 9\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43874582364295,"sku":"29-0672","price":7850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/29-0672_1.png?v=1772355806"},{"product_id":"french-silverplate-bronze-sconces","title":"French Silverplate Bronze Sconces","description":"Measuring over 3 feet in height, this opulent and monumentally-sized pair of seven-light, silver-over-bronze sconces was designed by the noted French sculptor Gustave Joseph Chéret. In these extraordinarily detailed fixtures, jubilant putti brandish electric torches, exhibiting Chéret's eye for detail, symmetry and décor. Massive lighting fixtures of such outstanding design would have been made only by special commission for a patron of great wealth. To find an original pair, crafted of luxurious silvered bronze, is undeniably rare. Signed \"Joseph Cheret.\"\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCirca 1885 \n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n36 3\/4\" high\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nChéret was the younger brother of French painter and Art Nouveau lithographer Jules Chéret, who came to be known as \"the father of the modern poster.\" Born in 1838, the younger Chéret began his career in sculpture at age thirteen, studying under Vallois and renowned sculptor Albert Ernest Carrier-Belleuse. He made his debut at the Paris \u003cem\u003eSalon\u003c\/em\u003e in 1863, receiving honorable mentions in 1883 and 1886. Between 1864 and 1870, his studio was frequented by none other than Auguste Rodin. Closely linked with Carrier-Belleuse as both a student and eventually as a son-in-law, Chéret succeeded his teacher as Director of Works of Art for the \u003cem\u003eManufacture Nationale de Sèvres\u003c\/em\u003e in 1887. He began exhibiting in the art object section of the \u003cem\u003eSocieté National des Beaux-Arts\u003c\/em\u003e after 1891, and was appointed a member of that society in 1894. These beautiful sconces are a testament to his skillful craftsmanship.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nChéret was closely associated with the decorative arts. He designed numerous models for the \u003cem\u003eCristallerie de Baccarat\u003c\/em\u003e, as well as a few architectural sculptures. A forerunner of the Art Nouveau movement, he produced decorations for interiors and created small sculptures, wall lamps, candlesticks and other objects, and notably designed one of the first models for the salamander stove. He is best known for his terracottas and porcelain vases, but also sculpted ceramics and figurines cast in bronze like these fantastic sconces. A large number of vases and terracotta objects by Chéret are housed in \u003cem\u003eMusée des Arts Décoratifs\u003c\/em\u003e. His works were posthumously exhibited at the famed Ecole des Beaux-Arts.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nReferences:\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eThe Dictionary of Sculptors in Bronze\u003c\/em\u003e, 1977, J. Mackay\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eDictionaire des Peintres, Sculpteurs, Dessinateurs, et Graveurs\u003c\/em\u003e, 1976, E. Bénézit\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eBronzes of the 19th Century\u003c\/em\u003e, 1994, P. Kjellberg","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41239056089223,"sku":"29-1430","price":48850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/29-1430_1.png?v=1712739452"},{"product_id":"amber-glass-cornucopia-vase","title":"Amber Glass Cornucopia Vase","description":"This large, tulip-form amber glass cornucopia vase is covered in an elegant acid-etched floral motif. Terminating in a bronze hand and resting upon a marble plinth, this Victorian centerpiece is in fine condition.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCirca 1890\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n11 3\/4\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41239108616327,"sku":"30-1351","price":1450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-1351_1_851df02e-2916-4223-97c1-3def87465a6d.png?v=1712738099"},{"product_id":"sevres-palace-porcelain-urns","title":"Sèvres Palace Porcelain Urns","description":"These bronze-mounted Sèvres porcelain urns are monumental in both size and quality and feature the renowned manufactory’s signature deep cobalt blue glaze. Sèvres urns were made in various sizes and qualities over the years, with the finest examples dating from between 1850 and 1880. Yet even among the best examples, these urns stand apart. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e First, the great majority of Sèvres urns were fitted with minimum “stock” bronze. Very few boasted the handcrafted mercury-gilded bronze mounts such as those featured here. Additionally, most urns created were approximately one quarter to half the size of these monumental beauties. It is assumed by most experts that the smaller examples were sold in retail establishments, while very rare large pieces were made only for special commissions for an elite clientele, earning them the moniker “palace urns.” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Designed in the Rococo style, the baluster-form urns feature hand-painted panels depicting figures from Greek mythology, including Neptune, the god of the sea, with his wife Amphitrite. Remarkably rendered landscapes of Greek ruins adorn the reverse. The urns’ exceptional artistry extends to their bronze ormolu mounts, on which putti support scrolling branches at the handles. Resting atop neoclassical pillars, these urns embody the singular aesthetic of Sèvres prized porcelain. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The vases bear the signature \"A. Nicolas\" within each painted scene. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1860 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 48 1\/4” high \n  ","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42315383537799,"sku":"30-1803","price":285000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-1803_1_82709cdc-2ba7-4341-a4aa-b9d0bb7dcb39.png?v=1738881408"},{"product_id":"russian-malachite-and-pietre-dure-plinths","title":"Russian Malachite and Pietre Dure Plinths","description":"The exquisite art of pietre dure is at its absolute finest in this spectacular pair of Russian ormolu and malachite plinths. True works of art of the Restauration period, these plinths each feature a matching pietre dure mosaic crafted of the finest stones, all chosen to create a sense of depth and dimensionality in the final work. Depicting an onyx vase with tulips, roses, daffodils, magnolia and other flowers, these pietre dure panels are among the finest examples of this ancient art we have seen. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The pietre dure is complemented by malachite panels of the highest quality, exhibiting exceptional depth through its extraordinary cellular structure. Malachite is one of Russia’s most precious stones, and its presence in these plinths indicates commission and ownership by an individual of considerable status. Mounted in an excellent stepped ormolu base, these plinths originally served as bases for vases or candelabra. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The overall execution and appearance of these plinths is very characteristic of the taste associated with the immensely wealthy collector Nicolas Demidoff. As early as 1806, Demidoff had commissioned the Parisian goldsmith Henri August to supply a guéridon; in 1819, he ordered famed French bronzier Pierre-Philippe Thomire to supply mounts for a massive malachite vase (now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York), as well as a console table with legs in the form of Nike. Other commissions included a table given as a gift to Grand Duke Leopoldo II of Florence, now in the Pitti Palace. Demidoff eventually settled in Florence in 1822 and became Russian minister to the Tuscan Court. Elevated to the rank of Count of San Donato by the Grand Duke, he built a magnificent villa at San Donato on the site of lands formerly owned by the Medici. The villa was later inherited by Anatole, his son, Prince of San Donato, and there are records which confirm transactions he had with the Opificio delle Pietre Dure. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The 19th century proved to be the golden age of Russian malachite. The stone became a sign of prestige and a token of wealth, so much so that Russian papers of the time wrote: \"To afford having a big piece wrought in malachite is synonymous to owning diamonds.\" Year after year the Russian (Romanov) treasury paid increasingly unreasonable prices to hoard the best malachite, much of which went into Romanov palaces and extravagant objets d'art. The Hermitage Museum possesses a collection of over two hundred examples of this “palatial” malachite. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A similar plinth is in the Gilbert collection, illustrated in \u003cem\u003eThe Art of Mosaics, Selections from the Gilbert Collection\u003c\/em\u003e by A. González-Palacios et al. A related pair of malachite plinths supporting candelabra is illustrated in \u003cem\u003eMalachite\u003c\/em\u003e by V.B. Seyonor. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1825 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 6 ¾” wide x 7 ¼” deep x 11 ¼” high \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Collection of the Cholmondeley Family and Sir Philip Sassoon, Bt., at Houghton Christie’s, London","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43231101780103,"sku":"29-3001","price":168500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/29-3001_1.png?v=1758655626"},{"product_id":"flora-danica-lidded-ginger-jar-by-royal-copenhagen","title":"Flora Danica Lidded Ginger Jar by Royal Copenhagen","description":"Crafted by Royal Copenhagen, this lidded ginger jar features one of the most prestigious porcelain patterns ever produced — the coveted \u003cem\u003eFlora Danica\u003c\/em\u003e pattern. The jar is rarity in the \u003cem\u003eFlora Danica\u003c\/em\u003e catalog in that it displays not one, but three different plants, including the \u003cem\u003eAnemone ranunculoidi \u0026amp; nemorosa Kse.\u003c\/em\u003e, or yellow wood anemone, the \u003cem\u003eCrocus vernus L.\u003c\/em\u003e, or dutch crocus, and the \u003cem\u003eHelleborus hyemalis L.\u003c\/em\u003e, or winter aconite. In addition to its motif, the form itself is extremely rare, as very few \u003cem\u003eFlora Danica\u003c\/em\u003e lidded ginger jars were ever made. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A work of scientific examination as well as artistic mastery, these designs are culled from George Christian Oeder's 1771 publication \u003cem\u003eFlora Danica (Flowers of Denmark)\u003c\/em\u003e, an encyclopedia including 3,000 hand-colored prints depicting every wild plant known to exist in Denmark, including mosses, fungi, ferns and flowers. In 1790, King Christian VII of Denmark ordered a set of porcelain decorated with exact copies of Oeder's plates, and thus Royal Copenhagen's \u003cem\u003eFlora Danica\u003c\/em\u003e collection was born. Adored by royalty since its first inception, it is perhaps the world's most prestigious porcelain pattern made today. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Stamped with Royal Copenhagen mark \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 5\" diameter x 12\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42572130582663,"sku":"31-1667","price":18850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-1667_1.png?v=1746450183"},{"product_id":"enamel-swan-vase-by-camille-faure-and-alexandre-marty","title":"Enamel Swan Vase by Camille Fauré and Alexandre Marty","description":"A pair of graceful swans adorn the form of this vibrant vase by the great Camille Fauré. The French enamel artist is best known for his highly sculptural creations that layer enamel atop a copper base form. The result is a luminosity and brilliance of color that set them apart from other decorative vases of the period. He created the present example in collaboration with the artist Alexandre Marty, who, along with his daughter Henriette, worked with Fauré between 1919 and 1925. Together, they developed new enamel production methods that involved both flamed and frosted enamels. Today, those works signed by both artisans are highly prized. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"Fauré. Marty. Limoges\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1920 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 5\" diameter x 8\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43873793802375,"sku":"31-3427","price":22850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-3427_1.png?v=1770672553"},{"product_id":"rosso-antico-marble-and-gilt-bronze-potpourri-vases","title":"Rosso Antico Marble and Gilt Bronze Potpourri Vases","description":"This exquisite pair of rosso antico marble and gilt bronze potpourri vases epitomize opulent artistry. A popular material for sculpture in ancient Greece, Rome and Italy, rosso antico is identifiable by its pink to reddish hue. These vases exhibit an exceptionally lustrous and even deep maroon color, which is further enhanced by rich, elegant gilt bronze. These vases are topped by elaborately decorated pierced lids which allow the scent of the perfume or potpourri within to disperse throughout the room, while the bronze handles appear as intricately coiled serpents. Similar attention is paid to the legs, reminiscent of bird legs culminating in sharp talons. These highly unique vases rest on square blue marble bases. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 18th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 7 1\/4\" wide x 4 3\/4\" deep x 8 1\/2\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43873974583431,"sku":"31-4735","price":24500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-4735_1_cb935f23-5a05-4069-a059-617a8f138652.png?v=1772351488"},{"product_id":"cameo-glass-vase-by-emile-galle-1","title":"Cameo Glass Vase by Émile Gallé","description":"Exceptional in both size and artistry, this cameo art glass vase is the work of the famed Art Nouveau master Émile Gallé, one of the most highly regarded names in French glassmaking. The artist's love of nature is evident in the detailed rendition of blooming irises that climb up the length of this vase. Measuring over two feet high, this is much larger than is typical of Gallé's vases, yet it is still magnificently proportioned. Its size combined with its delicately fluted shape makes this piece especially well-suited to the flowing, fluid design, allowing for a sense of grace and elegance. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Émile Gallé opened a small woodworker's shop in 1885, where he began experimenting with marquetry designs in furniture and naturalistic glass designs. In 1889, he displayed his new glass creations at the Paris International Exhibition, where the designs and colors not previously seen caused an immediate sensation. The new style of Art Nouveau had begun to appear, and the movement's aesthetics and devotion to nature appealed greatly to the young Gallé. In 1894 Gallé built a manufacturing plant in Nancy and began creating his own designs from inception through production. Gallé personally developed many of the designs, and he was known to actively make alterations and approve the designs of his talented team of designers and craftsmen he employed at the \"Cristallerie D'Emile Gallé.\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"Gallé\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1900 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 29 1\/4\" high x 5\" diameter","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42215076462727,"sku":"31-4682","price":24500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-4682_1_960bcc78-f110-4fd7-ba3e-2aafc2ef99c6.png?v=1736116994"},{"product_id":"camille-faure-enamel-flora-vase","title":"Camille Fauré Enamel Flora Vase","description":"A cascade of pink blooms sit against an ombre ground in this enameled vase by Camille Fauré. Executed using his signature technique, the vase's copper form is covered in the silver leaf and richly colored enamel that give Fauré's pieces their unique luster. One of the most celebrated enamelers of the Art Deco era, Camille Fauré was among the most innovative designers of his age. Today, his coveted vases can be found in museum collections around the world, including the Victoria and Albert Museum (London) and the Corning Museum of Glass (New York). This example embodies his highly unique style. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This vase is pictured in Alberto Shayo's book \u003cem\u003eCamille Fauré Limoges Art Deco Enamels: The Geometry of Joy\u003c\/em\u003e, page 86. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Marked \"C. Fauré \/ Limoges\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1930 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 4 5\/8\" diameter x 6 1\/8” high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44527739076743,"sku":"31-6174","price":9850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-6174_1_7ef362fe-2c49-4de4-9395-c36b787f9387.png?v=1777556103"},{"product_id":"camille-faure-enamel-chrysanthemum-vase","title":"Camille Fauré Enamel Chrysanthemum Vase","description":"Delicate orange chrysanthemum flowers bloom in this enameled vase by Camille Fauré. Executed using his signature technique, the vase's copper form is covered in silver leaf and richly colored enamel that give Fauré's pieces their unique luster. A celebrated enameler of the Art Deco era, Camille Fauré was among the most innovative designers of his age. Today, his coveted vases can be found in museum collections around the world, including the Victoria and Albert Museum (London) and the Corning Museum of Glass (New York). This example embodies his highly unique style. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This vase is pictured in Alberto Shayo's book \u003cem\u003eCamille Fauré Limoges Art Deco Enamels: The Geometry of Joy\u003c\/em\u003e, page 85. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Marked \"C. Fauré \/ Limoges \/ France\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1930 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 5 7\/8\" diameter x 11” high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43874188099719,"sku":"31-6202","price":19850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-6202_1_bbc0702f-e89b-463b-a12c-6847e7119849.png?v=1772355088"},{"product_id":"blue-pink-canterbury-bell-vase-with-cover-by-camille-faure","title":"Blue \u0026 Pink Canterbury Bell Vase with Cover by Camille Fauré","description":"Delicate pink flowers seem to burst forth from this blue Limoges enameled vase by Camille Fauré, decorated with vibrant Canterbury Bell motifs. Layers upon layers of brightly hued enamel with expertly etched lines were applied to a copper vase form to create Fauré's signature raised design, resulting in both visual and tactile beauty. Heralding a revolution in the decorative arts, this vase exemplifies the innovative importance of this renowned firm. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A celebrated enameler of the Art Deco era, Camille Fauré was among the most innovative designers of his age. Today, his coveted vases can be found in museum collections around the world, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Corning Museum of Glass in New York. This example embodies his highly unique style. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"C. Fauré \/ Limoges \/ Made in France\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1930 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 7 1\/8\" diameter x 13 1\/2” high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43894005563527,"sku":"31-6203","price":29850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-6203_1_5a234d51-fb80-42ad-a366-9d68eeac21de.png?v=1774943057"},{"product_id":"griotte-rouge-vases-attributed-to-charles-henri-joseph-cordier","title":"Griotte Rouge Vases attributed to Charles-Henri-Joseph Cordier","description":"Fashioned of rare and precious griotte rouge marble and gilt bronze, these vases embody neoclassical elegance at its finest. Borrowing its forms and motifs derived from classical Roman and Greek antiquity, the gilt bronze contrasts beautifully with the griotte rouge marble, a material that has been highly prized for centuries. Each urn features two mounts depicting a resplendent African King in all his finery, sculpted without the intent of caricature. These superb urns show the influence and similarity to the work of the French master Charles-Henri-Joseph Cordier, a highly talented Parisian sculptor of the 19th century. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Griotte rouge marble gets its name from the morello cherry (\u003cem\u003egriotte\u003c\/em\u003e in French), which has a distinctively vivid red color. Louis XIV was especially fond of this color and ordered fireplaces made of this marble for the Palace of Versailles. Fireplaces in the Château de Fontainebleau, and the grand foyer of the Opéra Garnier in Paris are also crafted of griotte rouge marble. From the opulent color and rich veins running along the surface, it is clear why royalty preferred this marble in the 18th and 19th centuries. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Charles-Henri-Joseph Cordier was appointed the ethnographic sculptor to the Muséum national d’histoire naturelle in Paris in 1851, and established an international reputation for his warm renderings of different ethnicities. Originally inspired by Orientalists like Delacroix, his ethnographic interests led the sculptor to focus more intently on the costuming and posing of his non-European subjects. In 1862, Cordier is quoted as saying: \"Beauty does not belong to a single, privileged race, I have promoted throughout the World of art the idea that beauty is everywhere. Every race has its own beauty, which differs from that of others.\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Mid-19th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 26\" high x 12 1\/4\" wide x 9\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41790108041351,"sku":"31-5794","price":44500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-5794_1_c0597c1c-cf47-4201-9366-bf2b6b3bf2e3.png?v=1728289728"},{"product_id":"camille-faure-pink-blossom-vase","title":"Camille Fauré Pink Blossom Vase","description":"Beautiful pink flowers blossom across the surface of this rare Limoges enamel vase by Camille Fauré. It is a feast for the senses, featuring tactile as well as visual beauty. Executed using his signature technique, the vase's copper form is covered in silver leaf and richly colored enamel that gives Fauré's pieces their unique luster. A celebrated enameler of the Art Deco era, Camille Fauré was among the most innovative designers of his age. Today, his coveted vases can be found in museum collections around the world, including the Victoria and Albert Museum (London) and the Corning Museum of Glass (New York). This example embodies his highly unique style. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Marked \"C. Fauré \/ Limoges \/ France\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1930 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 7 3\/4\" diameter x 9 1\/2” high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43874543042695,"sku":"31-7230","price":19850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-7230_1.png?v=1772355508"},{"product_id":"chardons-vase-by-rene-lalique","title":"Chardons Vase by René Lalique","description":"Designed by René Lalique in 1922, this \u003cem\u003eChardons\u003c\/em\u003e pattern vase features details of abstracted foliate motifs climbing from base to lip. The vessel highlights the master's love of the bold forms and the natural motifs that typified his output. Composed of smoky gray glass, the vase embodies the elegance and artistry of Lalique's most beloved designs. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Lalique remains one of the most popular designers and sculptors of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods. He mastered the press-molded techniques, and glass aficionados and amateur collectors alike continue to marvel at the grace, magnificence and authenticity of his creations around the world. Discontinued in 1947, the \u003cem\u003eChardons\u003c\/em\u003e pattern remains coveted by collectors. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Featured in \u003cem\u003eR. Lalique: Catalog Raisonné de l'Oeuvre de Verre\u003c\/em\u003e by Félix Marcilhac, 1994, page 423, no. 929. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Engraved \"R. LALIQUE FRANCE\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 7 1\/2\" high x 6 1\/2\" diameter","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43874503557255,"sku":"31-7178","price":5450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-7178_1.png?v=1772354385"},{"product_id":"louis-xvi-style-gilt-marble-vases","title":"Louis XVI Style Gilt Marble Vases","description":"The bodies of this pair of Louis XVI-style vases, measuring nearly two feet in height, are formed from stunning specimens of white marble. Doré bronze mounts in the Louis XVI style perfectly contrast with the bright hues of the hardstone. Classical goat masks surmount the legs, which terminate in hoofed feet, while highly detailed foliate scrolls chase the marble forms. Crowned by a pinecone finial, the mounts add the perfect amount of luxury to the timeless white marble. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This type of paired vases are often known as cassolettes. The term \"cassolette\" is from the French word \u003cem\u003ecassole,\u003c\/em\u003e meaning \"small container.\" While the word has other meanings in culinary respects, in the decorative arts, cassolettes are small covered vases meant to hold perfumed substances or incense. Popular during the 18th and 19th centuries, these \u003cem\u003eobjets d'art\u003c\/em\u003e were crafted from all manner of materials, including marble, porcelain and bronze. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1860 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 18\" high x 7 1\/2\" diameter","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43231105351815,"sku":"31-7407","price":16850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-7407_1_67c6609e-ea32-42b4-8c2b-aaed5d31bb78.png?v=1758655658"},{"product_id":"pair-of-blue-john-and-bronze-cassolettes","title":"Pair of Blue John and Bronze Cassolettes","description":"Blending natural wonder and artistic prowess, this magnificent pair of cassolettes is a symphony of craftsmanship. The intricate gilt bronze decor, only made possible by the finest craftsmen of the 19th century, is further elevated by the bodies, formed from stunning examples of Blue John. The Blue John specimens are not only remarkable in size but also stunning in the natural patterns of the hardstone. The translucent crystalline layers of the stone radiate outwards in bands of deep blues, rich purples and golden yellows. It embodies all of the best attributes of this highly coveted material. Only the most gifted of artisans were charged with crafting exquisite masterworks such as this, as Blue John demands a great deal of skill in its handling. A soft and brittle stone, it responds very quickly to heat and must be carefully dried to retain its original color.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The term \"cassolette\" is from the French word \u003cem\u003ecassole,\u003c\/em\u003e meaning \"small container.\" While the word has other meanings in culinary respects, in the decorative arts, cassolettes are small covered vases meant to hold perfumed substances or incense. Popular during the 18th and 19th centuries, these objets d'art were crafted from all manner of materials, including marble, porcelain and bronze. The most coveted examples were formed from desirable stones such as Blue John, amethyst or chalcedony, as seen in the present pair. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Late 19th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Each: 11\" high x 5 7\/8\" wide x 4\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42508351897735,"sku":"31-8348","price":68850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-8348_1.png?v=1743858789"},{"product_id":"federzeichnung-octopus-vase-by-loetz","title":"Federzeichnung Octopus Vase by Loetz","description":"This important \u003cem\u003eFederzeichnung\u003c\/em\u003e, which translates to pen drawing, glass vase by Loetz features the “octopus” motif. Distinguished by an intricate scrolling air-trap design and external gilt vermicelli accents, this famous pattern is one of the renowned firm’s most coveted designs. One of the largest producers of high-quality art glass in the Art Nouveau style, Loetz's accomplishments with iridescent glass are rivaled only by those of Tiffany Studios. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1887 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 7“ high x 5” diameter (17.78 x 12.70 cm) ","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43874911879303,"sku":"31-8337","price":2850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-8337_1_2f7a1ad0-c2c1-47e0-a164-15d5b2d06b8d.png?v=1772356582"},{"product_id":"louis-xvi-style-gilt-marble-cassolettes-and-clock","title":"Louis XVI Style Gilt Marble Cassolettes and Clock","description":"The bodies of this exquisite pair of Louis XVI-style cassolettes, along with a complementary annular clock, are crafted from exceptional specimens of Carrara white marble, each measuring almost a foot in height. Doré bronze mounts, emblematic of the Louis XVI style, create a striking contrast with the vibrant hues of the hardstone. Classical eagle masks adorn the legs, featuring intricately detailed foliate festoons held in their beaks. These mounts imbue the neoclassical pieces with a distinct aura of luxury. The cassolettes are accompanied by a matching clock, executed in the same design. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The annular clock, a crown wheel with a deadbeat escapement, is distinguished by a gilt timepiece at its summit, instead of a removable lid. Its winding mechanism at the base bears the signature of the maker, Victor Athanase Pierret (1806-1893). Operating in Paris, Pierret was the innovator behind lamp clocks featuring rotating globes marked with hour figures, patented in 1863. This clock, marked \"SGDG,\" indicates that innovation, marking its accordance with Parisian patent law. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The term \"cassolette\" is from the French for \"small container.\" While the word has other meanings in culinary respects, in the decorative arts, cassolettes are small covered vases meant to hold perfumed substances or incense. Popular during the 18th and 19th centuries, these objets d'art were crafted from all manner of materials, including marble, porcelain and bronze. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1865 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Clock marked: VAP \/ BREVETE \/ SGDG \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Cassolettes: 11\" high x 4 1\/4\" wide x 4 1\/2\" deep\u003cbr\u003e Clock: 10“ high x 4 5\/8” wide x 4 1\/2“ deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42508331286663,"sku":"31-6965","price":29850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-6965_1_785b1714-8730-4502-9e00-301488836020.png?v=1743858787"},{"product_id":"19th-century-gilt-bronze-egitto-serpentino-urn-after-pierre-gouthiere","title":"19th-Century Gilt Bronze \u0026 Egitto Serpentino Urn After Pierre Gouthière","description":"This 19th-century gilt bronze \u0026amp; Egitto Serpentino urn is modeled after the opulent design of one of the last gilders of the Versailles Court, Pierre Gouthière. An identical urn is held in the Musée du Louvre, Paris, modeled after a drawing by François-Joseph Bélanger, and appeared at The Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Frick Collection in New York in a joint exhibition of Gouthière’s work. This was the first exhibition to concentrate on his career, with objects loaned from private collections and institutions like the Louvre and the Royal Castle of Warsaw. The drawing by François-Joseph Bélanger represents a vase from the Duke of Aumont’s collections. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Elevated on a square Ormolu pedestal beneath a circular mottled marble socle, the green marble urn features intricate detailing, such as a chased pierced Ormolu band embellished with foliate scrolls and a central reserve. The urn is further accentuated by ornate Ormolu rams' heads adorning each side, their expressions remarkably lifelike, perhaps even identifiable as Pyrenean goats. Their dynamic hair is delicately chased on the noses and ears, which contrasts with the tight tufts elsewhere on their heads, showcasing the mastery of technique employed by the artisan. The horns, meticulously burnished and matte gilded to emulate nature's elegance, imbue the work with a sense of refinement and luxury. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Pierre Gouthière was an unrivaled metal worker, born in Troyes, France, and traveling to Paris at an early age as the pupil of Martin Cour. During his brilliant career, he executed a vast quantity of metalwork of astounding variety, becoming the most famous Parisian bronze chaser and gilder of the late 1700s. Gouthière was a master of chasing and invented a new type of gilding that left a matte finish. Combining polished with matte finishes to create varied effects on the surfaces of his bronzes, he made many types of objects, including furniture mounts, ornaments for mantelpieces and coaches, and mounts for porcelain or marble vases. He received commissions from some of the leading connoisseurs of his day. The collection of the duc d'Aumont served almost as a retrospective of Gouthière's work, displaying a range of items, including lacquer cabinets and chandeliers, all mounted with the artist's excellent bronze. Most notable were the many commissions he received for furniture from the court of Louis XVI, creating several bronzes, especially for Marie Antoinette. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Gouthière was successful and enjoyed an extravagant lifestyle. After 1775, however, the death of two of his major patrons and unwise financial speculations left him in dire financial difficulty. Madame du Barry, Louis XV's mistress, owed him 750,000 livres for nearly 20 years of work, and his inability to collect this debt finally forced him into bankruptcy in 1787. He died in poverty, still trying to make her heirs repay him. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1840 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 18 1\/8“ high x 15” wide x 12“ deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41790390009991,"sku":"31-8847","price":48850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-8847_1_595f9b9d-8b68-4d97-a9f7-c8d2e38b46aa.png?v=1730880890"},{"product_id":"blue-satsuma-vase-with-tea-ceremony","title":"Blue Satsuma Vase with Tea Ceremony","description":"This exceptional Japanese Satsuma vase represents the pinnacle of Japanese earthenware. Exquisitely hand-painted and gilded, it depicts a serene tea ceremony with intricate patterns. Legend has it that the finest Satsuma painters would go blind due to the extreme detail of their work. This vase is especially impressive due to its small size, as the artist still captures great detail in the scene. The striking cobalt blue background, contrasting beautifully with the shining gold gilding, dates the vase to the period after 1870. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Satsuma earthenware has been highly popular with collectors for nearly 150 years and is considered the quintessential art form of the Meiji period. Originating in the 17th century, this luminous style was fully developed around 1790, featuring overglaze enamel and gilded detailing with nature-inspired designs, particularly floral and animal motifs. In the 19th century, architectural and human decorations also became prominent. Satsuma ware began near Kagoshima Prefecture on Kyushu Island, crafted by Korean potters for the Shimazu family and the local community. Its acclaim skyrocketed after being showcased at the 1867 \u003cem\u003eExposition Universelle\u003c\/em\u003e in Paris. Soon, Satsuma ware was being commissioned from craftsmen across the region for export to the West, including major cities like Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo and Yokohama, with the continued support of the Shimazu family ensuring its success. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1870 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 2 1\/4\" high x 2 1\/4\" in diameter","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41790398201991,"sku":"31-9099","price":1450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-9099_1_922c4227-8ea0-47d2-a64f-83121d7fe201.png?v=1730881204"},{"product_id":"foo-dog-carrying-decorative-vessel","title":"Foo Dog Carrying Decorative Vessel","description":"This remarkable foo dog carrying a decorative vessel embodies both artistry and symbolism, featuring a vase adorned with images of Buddhist monks adorned with gilded halos. The foo dog itself, a powerful and protective symbol, stands as a guardian over the vessel, reflecting centuries of cultural significance. Crafted with meticulous detail, this work showcases the mastery of Japanese artisans, capturing the essence of both religious reverence and artistic expression. Despite its small size, the vessel is intricately decorated, a testament to the Meiji period artists. According to legend, the finest Satsuma painters would go blind due to their detailed work. It exudes an aura of strength and protection reflecting the enduring tradition of symbolic artistry in Japanese culture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Satsuma ware, an iconic representation of artistic mastery during Japan's Meiji period, has enthralled collectors worldwide for over a century and a half. Renowned for its radiant style, characterized by intricate overglaze enamel and delicate gilding, Satsuma ware celebrates the beauty of nature through its exquisite floral and fauna designs. Emerging near Kagoshima Prefecture on Kyushu Island, this revered ceramic tradition initially served local elites, crafted with precision by skilled Korean artisans. However, its acclaim reached new heights following the 1867 \u003cem\u003eExposition Universelle\u003c\/em\u003e in Paris, leading to widespread acclaim and international demand. Today, Satsuma ware remains an esteemed art form cherished in prominent Japanese urban centers and embraced by collectors globally. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Meiji period (1868-1912) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 3 1\/2\" high x 2 1\/4\" wide x 1 3\/4\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43875114221703,"sku":"31-9096","price":2850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-9096_1.png?v=1772362068"},{"product_id":"fan-enamel-vase-by-camille-faure-1","title":"Fan Enamel Vase by Camille Fauré","description":"Overlapping geometric fan shapes sit in high relief on the surface of this vase by famed Limoges enameller Camille Fauré. The vase's unique sculptural effect is achieved by mixing enamel pigment powders with purified water to create a paste, which is then applied to the copper base form. This process gives the work added dimension and is perfectly suited to its geometric Art Deco aesthetic. Fauré's works can be found in museum collections around the world, including The Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Corning Museum of Glass in New York. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This vase is made from enamel over a copper base. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"C. Fauré - Limoges\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1925 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 6 1\/8” high x 4 7\/8\" diameter","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43875366240391,"sku":"31-9468","price":6850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-9468_1.png?v=1772361649"},{"product_id":"baccarat-crystal-and-dore-bronze-centerpiece","title":"Baccarat Crystal and Doré Bronze Centerpiece","description":"Luxurious doré bronze cradles the finest Baccarat crystal in this beautiful French Second Empire compote centerpiece. This magnificent vessel reflects the elaborate Louis XV style that Napoleon III and his wife, the stylish Empress Eugénie, adored. The centerpiece features large acanthus leaf-styled handles crafted in deep relief, while the large cut crystal center bowl showcases a bold design of scalloped sides enhanced by layered red detail and a red crystal bottom. Resting on four foliate feet on a splayed-footed base, this centerpiece is a fascinating marriage of color and texture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Established by the Royal Decree of Louis XV in 1765, Baccarat has consistently produced glass and crystal works that have revolutionized and dazzled the industry. From the beginning, the company received numerous royal commissions from French nobility and aristocrats across Europe, most notably Czar Nicolas of Russia, Louis XV, Louis XVI and Napoleon. They won their first gold medal at the 1855 International Exhibition and have continued to carry off prizes at international exhibitions since. Today, antique works by this prestigious company are exceedingly rare, especially magnificent examples such as this. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1860 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 28” length x 8 1\/2” deep x 13 1\/2” high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41822897242247,"sku":"29-2556","price":14500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/29-2556_1.png?v=1730881126"},{"product_id":"pair-of-napoleon-iii-royal-rouge-griotte-athenienne","title":"Pair of Napoleon III Royal Rouge Griotte Athenienne","description":"Royal Rouge Griotte Marble Athenienne\u003cbr\u003e After Pierre Gouthière\u003cbr\u003e Late 19th Century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This monumental pair of Napoleon III gilt bronze-mounted Royal Rouge Griotte athenienne perfume vases epitomizes the splendor of 19th-century French artistry. Designed in the neoclassical palatial taste, these vases are crafted from the finest Royal Rouge Griotte marble, a rare and vibrant stone historically reserved for French royalty. Their superb gilt bronze mounts showcase intricate Greco-Roman motifs, including exquisitely detailed lion paw feet and masks, which contrast beautifully with the rich red marble. These magnificent works reflect the influence of Pierre Gouthière, the most celebrated Parisian chaser and gilder of his era. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Royal Rouge Griotte marble, named after the Morello cherry (\"griotte\" in French) is a prestigious stone that often features fossilized goniatites filled with white calcite, creating a striking pattern referred to as \"oeil de perdrix\" (“partridge eye”). The quarries in the Caunes-Minervois and Félines-Minervois regions, northeast of Carcassonne, have a history dating back to Antiquity. Rediscovered in 1615 by Italian sculptors Stefano Sormano and Antoine Lignani, these quarries gained fame under the patronage of sculptor Bernini, who drew the attention of the French court. Declared \"Royal Quarries\" by decree in 1692, the marble became a hallmark of opulence, adorning the Palace of Versailles and other royal apartments. The stone used in this pair is among the finest examples of Royal Rouge Griotte marble. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 28 1\/2\" high x 11 1\/2\" diameter","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42604536103047,"sku":"32-0091","price":38850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-0091_1_bc1ff590-17a2-43d3-a263-16ef33841b7e.png?v=1746450590"},{"product_id":"acid-etched-vase-by-daum-nancy","title":"Acid Etched Vase by Daum Nancy","description":"Acid Etched Vase\u003cbr\u003e Daum Nancy\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1925 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This rare and striking Art Deco vase by Daum Nancy represents the pinnacle of French craftsmanship. The spherical form is adorned with deeply acid-etched geometric circles that encircle the work in a harmonious blend of shape and design. This captivating motif encapsulates the period's celebration of modernity and abstraction in smokey glass. The deeply acid-etched decoration is a hallmark of Daum’s masterful technique. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Founded by the Daum family in Nancy, France, this renowned glassmaking firm reached prominence during the Art Nouveau movement. They quickly developed their unique style, using labor-intensive techniques like multi-layered acid etching and hand carving. Their fluid, organic motifs, as seen in this vase, have become emblematic of Daum’s work, and their dedication to craft was recognized with the Grand Prix at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris, solidifying their position as masters of glass artistry. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed “Daum Nancy France” with the cross of Lorraine \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 9\" high x 9\" diameter","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43875636871303,"sku":"32-0538","price":22850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-0538_1_aaa3036c-ea52-445b-95f3-fe4f41c34185.png?v=1772367357"},{"product_id":"pair-of-bronze-vases-by-christofle","title":"Pair of Bronze Vases by Christofle","description":"Pair of Gilded Bronze Vases\u003cbr\u003e Christofle\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1930 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This rare pair of Christofle bronze vases epitomizes the pinnacle of French decorative arts from the Art Nouveau era, representing the extraordinary craftsmanship of one of Europe's most prestigious metalware manufacturers. The vases feature a rich bronze-brown patina enhanced by intricate gilded geometric decorations, with ornate metallic gold trim applied to the upper and lower sections. These exquisite vessels showcase Christofle's ability to transform functional objects into extraordinary works of artistic expression. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Christofle, founded in Paris in 1830, revolutionized decorative arts through innovative metalworking techniques and an unwavering commitment to luxury. Renowned for supplying fine silverware to royal courts, including Napoleon III's imperial household, the company established itself as a paragon of French craftsmanship. Their works graced prestigious venues from the Orient Express to the tables of European nobility, cementing Christofle's reputation for uncompromising quality and aesthetic refinement. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Stamped \"CHRISTOFLE 208\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Each: 5\" high x 3\" diameter","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43875623960711,"sku":"32-0530","price":6850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-0530_1_9030be41-b86d-4b02-b5de-e5519802990b.png?v=1772365136"},{"product_id":"christofle-gilt-bronze-vase","title":"Christofle Gilt Bronze Vase","description":"Gilt Bronze Vase\u003cbr\u003e Christofle\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1930 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This exemplary Art Nouveau vase demonstrates Christofle's mastery of metalworking during the early 20th century. The graceful oviform vessel rises from an elegant footed base to a sophisticated bulbous neck, embodying the fluid aesthetic of the period. Its surface presents a distinguished red-brown patina complemented by meticulously cast gilt bronze decorations. The design features a delicate arrangement of stylized flowers and foliage that elegantly drift across the surface, executed with the precision that defines Christofle's legacy in French decorative arts. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The House of Christofle, established in Paris in 1830, transformed the landscape of European metalwork through technical innovation and artistic excellence. Their exceptional creations earned the patronage of Europe's most distinguished households, including Napoleon III's imperial court. The firm's commitment to superior craftsmanship positioned them at the forefront of French decorative arts, with their works appearing in prestigious settings from royal residences to the legendary Orient Express. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Marked \"CHRISTOFLE 204 T\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 5 1\/4\" high x 2 1\/2\" diameter","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44263420100743,"sku":"32-0531","price":6450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-0531_1_805ce5cd-8275-4309-bfaf-e0736d72771d.png?v=1774964897"},{"product_id":"sevres-porcelain-and-dore-bronze-vases","title":"Sèvres Porcelain and Doré Bronze Vases","description":"Pair of Porcelain and Doré Bronze Vases\u003cbr\u003e Sèvres\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1845 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e With porcelain vessels in the iconic Sèvres cobalt blue, encased in lavish doré bronze armatures, this pair of Louis XVI-style urns epitomizes the masterful craftsmanship and refined beauty of the famed porcelain manufactory. Each urn is adorned with three finely chased caryatid figures joined by floral garlands, resting upon a reticulated circular gilt bronze base. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Since its founding in the 18th century, the Sèvres porcelain manufactory has been synonymous with the finest porcelain wares. Established under the patronage of Louis XV and Madame de Pompadour, the firm quickly became the official royal porcelain producer. Throughout the 19th century, Sèvres expanded its repertoire, designing distinct vase forms that ranged from neoclassical grandeur to Gothic delicacy. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e These exceptional urns pay homage to Pierre Gouthière, one of the most renowned bronze artists of the preceding century. Appointed gilder to King Louis XV in 1767, Gouthière revolutionized metalwork, pioneering a gilding technique that achieved an exquisite matte finish. Similar caryatid figures appear on vases once owned by the Duke of Talleyrand, while similar mermaid motifs—prevalent in Gouthière’s work—can be found on a serpentine marble vase in the Louvre. These vases embody the grandeur of Louis XVI-style ornamentation, blending rich materials with impeccable detail. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Each: 19 3\/4\" high x 13\" diameter \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Marked under bronze Sèvres Louis Philippe 1845","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43290836172935,"sku":"32-0737","price":78500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-0737_1.png?v=1760030707"},{"product_id":"art-nouveau-bronze-and-crystal-candelabra-by-baccarat","title":"Art Nouveau Bronze and Crystal Candelabra by Baccarat","description":"Pair of Crystal and Gilt-Bronze Candelabra\u003cbr\u003e Baccarat\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1900 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e An exquisite pair of Art Nouveau Baccarat crystal and gilt-bronze candelabra, these five-light masterpieces epitomize the fluid elegance and naturalistic inspiration of the era. The finely chased ormolu branches extend with graceful movement, with delicate Baccarat crystal columns that catch and refract the light with mesmerizing brilliance. Each features five foliate branches surmounted by foliate nozzles. The base is beautifully pierced with intricate foliate motifs. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Each: 18 1\/4\" high x 11 1\/2\" diameter","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42776663031943,"sku":"32-0730","price":38500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-0730_1_0f84db0d-3e0b-40e5-b550-a6c12c968882.png?v=1749230837"},{"product_id":"pair-of-russian-malachite-tazze-by-the-imperial-lapidary-works","title":"Pair of Russian Malachite Tazze by the Imperial Lapidary Works","description":"Pair of Russian Malachite Tazze\u003cbr\u003e Imperial Lapidary Works\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1830 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A magnificent example of early 19th-century Russian craftsmanship, this pair of malachite tazze was created by the Imperial Lapidary Works of Ekaterinburg, circa 1830. These works exemplify the period when malachite emerged as the principal decorative material in Russian hardstone objects. Their form and execution closely relate to the refined designs of Ivan Ivanovich Galberg, the most prolific designer of hardstone pieces in Russia during this period. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Each tazza features a clean, classical silhouette and is veneered in vivid concentric stalactitic malachite, one of the most prized varieties of the stone. The surfaces are executed in the distinctive Russian mosaic technique, perfected by Russian craftsmen, where thin slices of malachite are sorted by pattern and seamlessly applied with powdered malachite paste. Their design is very similar to a Galberg model presented as a diplomatic gift to the Duke of Wellington in 1826. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Founded in 1751 in the Ural Mountains, the Imperial Lapidary Works played a central role in establishing malachite as a national treasure in Russia. The stone’s rise to prominence followed the discovery of rich deposits near Ekaterinburg and Nizhnii Tagil in the 1810s–30s, leading to its use in major commissions, including the celebrated Malachite Room of the Winter Palace. Elegant and technically superb, this pair of tazze represents the pinnacle of early 19th-century Russian stone-cutting and design. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Each: 9 3\/8\" high x 7 1\/2\" diameter","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43875906846855,"sku":"32-1108","price":36850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-1108_1.png?v=1772367154"},{"product_id":"bronze-reliefs-of-minerva-and-mars-by-emile-pinedo","title":"Bronze Reliefs of Minerva and Mars by Émile Pinedo","description":"Émile Pinedo\u003cbr\u003e 1840-1916 | French \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bronze Reliefs of Minerva and Mars \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bronze \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e These exceptional bronze reliefs depicting the Roman deities Minerva and Mars represent the pinnacle of 19th-century French bronze casting, executed by master sculptor Émile Pinedo. The paired compositions showcase the artist's mastery in capturing both the classical power and beauty of these mythological figures, rendered with the technical precision that established Pinedo among the foremost bronze founders of his era. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Minerva, goddess of wisdom and warfare, is portrayed in profile with her characteristic plumed helmet adorned with elaborate decorative elements. Mars, god of war, appears equally commanding with his ornate military regalia and powerful visage, the intricate detailing of his armor and flowing drapery showcasing the artist's meticulous attention to surface texture and form.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Émile Pinedo established himself as one of Paris' most accomplished sculptors and bronze founders, inheriting both his father's foundry and his dedication to excellence in bronze casting. Making his debut at the prestigious Paris Salon of 1870, his bronzes became synonymous with the highest standards of Parisian craftsmanship, combining technical mastery with artistic vision. Today, his works remain highly coveted by collectors and institutions alike.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Each bears the artist's stamp verso on integral hanger, Minerva no. “536” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1880-1900 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Mars: 40 5\/8\" high x 21 1\/2\" wide x 8 1\/2\" deep\u003cbr\u003e Minerva: 42 1\/8\" high x 22 1\/8\" wide x 8 1\/2\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Rome\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Alabama\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Brussels\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43231142707335,"sku":"32-0717","price":54500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-0717_1_747b91db-0dd7-4871-9f04-2c17eb3ab277.png?v=1758656264"},{"product_id":"sevres-medicis-vases-commissioned-by-napoleon-for-talleyrand","title":"Sèvres Médicis Vases Commissioned by Napoléon for Talleyrand","description":"Pair of Médicis Vases Commissioned by Napoléon for Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord\u003cbr\u003e Sèvres\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1806 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Commissioned by Emperor Napoléon I and executed by the world-renowned Sèvres manufactory, this extraordinary pair of vases was presented to Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, Prince of Benevento—one of history’s most gifted diplomats whose influence spanned successive French regimes. Their provenance links two of the most formidable figures of the early 19th century, embodying the confluence of imperial ambition and refined taste that defined the First Empire. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e To Napoleon, who valued merit and brilliance above all, Talleyrand’s counsel was indispensable in shaping the Empire. The diplomat had served Louis XVI, survived the Revolution, advised Napoleon with strategic brilliance, remained essential under Louis XVIII and later guided France through the reign of Louis-Philippe. These vases were presented to the diplomat by the Emperor on the occasion of the marriage of Stéphanie Louise Adrienne de Beauharnais to Karl Ludwig Friedrich, Prince of Baden. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Taking the celebrated Médicis form, the vases feature a deep \u003cem\u003ebeau bleu\u003c\/em\u003e ground enriched with gilt bronze-mounted Jupiter heads and sumptuous gilding throughout by Charles-Marie-Pierre Boitel. Rather than imperial insignia, the hand-painted decoration by Gilbert Drouet is composed of garlands of purple bellflowers—symbols of constancy and gratitude—designed with scientific precision by Alexandre Brongniart père, a botanist turned painter at Sèvres. Each flower’s naturalistic rendering reflects both Brongniart’s rare technical mastery and the Emperor’s calculated symbolism: a visual tribute to Talleyrand’s brilliance, loyalty and indispensability. Notably, Brongniart’s original preparatory drawing for this floral motif is preserved in the Sèvres archives. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The manufactory’s official records confirm that these vases were commissioned by Napoléon specifically for Talleyrand at a cost of 1,200 francs—an extraordinary sum equivalent to four years of a laborer’s wages. Few commissions of this magnitude were ever produced. Closely related examples include a Médicis vase with floral decoration ordered by Napoléon for Ferdinand III of Habsburg-Lorraine, now in the Uffizi Gallery, and a pair of lilac-ground floral vases created for Empress Marie-Louise, which remain at Compiègne. Displayed at the Palais Vivienne among one of the finest Napoleonic collections ever assembled, this pair represents an unparalleled convergence of imperial history, diplomacy, and the pinnacle of French porcelain artistry. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Red stenciled Manufacture Impériale de Sèvres marks with date symbol for Revolutionary Year 14, and BT gilder’s mark for Boitel in gilding. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Each on bases: 22 3\/8\" high x 12 1\/4\" diameter \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e C. Leprince, \u003cem\u003eNapoléon 1er et La Manufacture de Sèvres: l’Art de la Porcelaine au Service de l’Empire\u003c\/em\u003e, Paris, 2016, p. 184, no. 5. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, Prince of Benevento, Paris\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Paris\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43786801905799,"sku":"32-1327","price":238500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-1327_1_62c76cdb-56af-4b32-9618-c4d3f99a26ca.png?v=1769780437"},{"product_id":"la-peche-by-duchoiselle-1","title":"La Pêche by Duchoiselle","description":"Duchoiselle\u003cbr\u003e 1801-1900 | French \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eLa Pêche\u003cbr\u003e (Allegory of Fishing)\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bronze with a brown and parcel-gilt patina\u003cbr\u003e Signed “Duchoiselle” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This remarkable bronze figure is distinguished by its extraordinary execution and exceptional level of detail. A popular 19th-century subject for both American and European sculptors, the romanticized figure of the Native American emerged as an artistic personification of the country itself in all her beauty. Simultaneously a Greek goddess and a Native American princess, this figure came to represent a merging of the neoclassical with the new iconography of America. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e An allegory for fishing, the idealized figure is presented upon her canoe, draped in a fishing net, which mimics the classical robes of antiquity. A delicate necklace of seashells rests around her graceful neck, while her elaborate feather headdress further reveals her Native American inspiration. Duchoiselle is celebrated for the astonishing detail of his works, and the present bronze is certainly no exception. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e There is little known about the life of the French sculptor Duchoiselle. In 1882, he is recorded as the supplier of ceiling reliefs for the Louvre and Garnier Opera in Paris. Today, he is best remembered for his romanticized, neoclassical Native American subjects. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This work is pictured in \u003cem\u003eArt Bronzes\u003c\/em\u003e by M. Forrest and \u003cem\u003eBronzes of the 19th Century\u003c\/em\u003e by P. Kjellberg. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1860 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 12\" high x 36 1\/2\" wide x 24 1\/4\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43746752397447,"sku":"32-2179","price":38500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2179_1_243d3619-e91c-4302-b239-b18dce590091.png?v=1769778686"}],"url":"https:\/\/rauantiques.com\/collections\/3-26-finishing-touches.oembed?page=2","provider":"M.S. Rau","version":"1.0","type":"link"}