Cooler - Silverplated - Cooling fountain / Planter

Silver-plated oval refreshment basin of French origin, probably made around 1950. The piece is crafted in simple yet elegant polished metal, with two handles and a wavy, tilting upper rim. At the bottom, there is a master mark with the letters AP and a lion, presumably that of the silversmith, although it could not be identified with certainty.

Unlike the richly decorated 19th-century examples, this rafraîchissoir reflects a sober, modernist aesthetic typical of the mid-20th century. The openwork rim suggests that this model was not intended solely for wine bottles but also for cooling wine glasses or champagne flutes: ice was placed in the bowl, and the glasses with their stems were set in the indentations, keeping the bowl cool until serving.

A wine cooler traditionally was part of French and Belgian table culture from the 18th century, when cooling wine and champagne was a sign of refinement. This type of utensil remained popular at dinners and receptions until the 20th century.

Today, this stylish object can also serve perfectly as a jardinière — a table bowl or decorative dish in which floral arrangements or small plants are placed. A jardinière has been widely used since the 19th century to embellish interiors and buffet tables, often filled with green plants or seasonal flowers.

This silver-plated refreshment stand is therefore both a functional and decorative object, reflecting the transition from classical table customs to a more modern, sober elegance in the mid-20th century.

The item is in excellent condition with some signs of use on the inside.

Insured and carefully shipped in suitable (and if necessary, double) packaging. By DPD to destinations within the European Union, and by national post (Bpost) to other destinations. The shipping costs apply to the mainland; for overseas areas and islands, a surcharge may apply unless the destination is listed separately in the shipping costs. A surcharge for customs formalities is already included in the stated shipping costs. Any import duties are the responsibility of the buyer.