Cristallerie francesi - Centrepiece (2) - Crystal

Pair of two mouth-blown, antique, transparent crystal risers (or centerpieces/fruit bowls or cake stands) finished in hand-cut and acid-engraved work. The first piece stands out for the lightness of its proportions and the delicacy of its decorative apparatus, typical of high-end European production. The bowl has a wide, flared, tub-like profile, with a shallow depth that makes it ideal for displaying fruit, confections, or mid-table centrepiece compositions.
Engraved Decoration: The interior of the plate bears a refined continuous motif executed in graffito or acid. It unfolds on two registers: The edge features a rich peripheral frame in neobaroque taste, formed by volutes, arabesques, and small geometric elements. From the edge, delicate tendrils and sinuous ramages cascade toward the center, dotted with small five-petal flowers that give the piece a fresh, spring-like, light appearance. The stem and central stem are made of solid crystal and are shaped with a twisted-cut or knot-like baluster grind. The vertical ribbed facets capture and refract light, creating a structural and visual focal point that elongates the entire composition. The broad inverted campaniform base, slightly domed, provides stability to the object. The outer edge features a rounded, finished thickness to resist impacts.
Style, Dating and Historical Scope. Epoch: Late 19th Century – Early 20th Century (Belle Époque Period).
The type of crystal and the fineness of the ramets fiori (floral sprigs) engraving point to a French region origin (with historic manufactories such as Baccarat or Saint-Louis, famous for this kind of service stands). Size: height 17.7 cm x diameter 23 cm.
The second piece is a cake stand (or cake server) from the period, characterized by refined artisanal craftsmanship both in the structure and in the decorations. The top plate presents a circular profile with a slightly raised edge, designed to contain and prevent slippery foods. The interior surface is enriched by a rich acid-engraving (or sandblasting) that develops a continuous garland ornament. The decoration, of classic/retro taste, combines floral tendrils, light foliage, and baroque-like volutes. The central stem joins a sturdy yet slender column. The upper part of the stem shows a distinctive “conca” or candlestick-shaped configuration, which then descends into a central element shaped with vertical twisted-cut / ribbed facets, lending dynamism and creating lovely light play. The base closes at the bottom with a wide inverted campaniform base, flared and smooth, ensuring stability and propulsion to the entire structure. The garland develops in a rich circular concentric band that frames the plate. The design is characterized by an elegant alternation of “C” and “S” volutes in baroque/Rococo style, enriched with beaded details and internal geometric textures that contrast with the glass’s transparency. From the main volutes branch lighter botanical sprigs, stylized acanthus leaves, and small bouquets of flowers that extend delicately toward both the outer edge and the center, giving dynamism and visual lightness to the composition. Epoch: Late 19th Century – Early 20th Century (Belle Époque Period). The type of crystal and the fineness of the ramets fiori engraving point to a French origin (with historic manufactories such as Baccarat or Saint-Louis, famous for this kind of service stands). Size: height 15.6 cm x diameter 25.9 cm.