Antique French Crystal and Ormolu Covered Centerpiece, France | Circa 1860–1880 | Napoleon III Period

Antique French Crystal and Ormolu Covered Centerpiece France | Circa 1860–1880 | Napoleon III Period This incredible piece is a French crystal and gilt bronze centerpiece from about 1860 to 1880, right in the height of the Napoleon III decorative arts period. The bowl is made of thick blown crystal and mounted in beautifully detailed gilded ormolu with scrolling shell and foliate decoration all the way around the body. The domed lid is topped with an extraordinary openwork gilt bronze floral finial, almost like a golden bouquet resting on top. Pieces like this would have been displayed on formal dining tables or dessert services in 19th century France, used for sweets, fruit, biscuits, or preserves while also acting as a decorative centerpiece. Crystal paired with rich gilt bronze mounts was one of the signature luxury combinations of the Napoleon III era, created for the grand Parisian interiors of the time.   Why We Love It The scale, the weight of the crystal, and the incredible ormolu work make this feel like a true statement piece. This is the kind of object that immediately gives a table that collected European look.