An Exceptional Pair of Late 19th Century Silver Plated and Baccarat Crystal Tazzas By Baccarat

$45,000

Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat

The large and superb pair modeled as “Nike”, the Greek Goddess of Victory, personifying triumph in both war and peaceful contests like athletics, art, and music. The removable top designed with a candle shaped crystal flute above a round crystal plate, all standing on a crystal tripod base with silver plated feet.

Each of the plates, as well as the crystal bases, are as finely and sharply cut as any work that Baccarat ever did. The time and effort put into designing this set clearly shows the peak of Baccarat’s work.

Founded in 1764 by royal consent, the firm of Baccarat became known as the Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat in the nineteenth century. Francois-Eugene de Fontenay, who joined the company in 1841, discovered that the addition of nickel oxide in the manufacturing process resulted in a perfectly clear product, ‘crystal glass’, that was free of discoloration and that imitated precious rock crystal. For this discovery, the Baccarat company was awarded a gold medal at the French Expositions des Produits de l’Industrie in 1844. Continually experimenting with their manufacturing process, the quality of Baccarat’s ‘crystal glass’ improved, reaching the highest level by the end of the century. Today, Baccarat ‘crystal glass’ is highly regarded, not only for its unusual clarity, but for its great solidity and weight, allowing for the bold engraving and cutting that are Baccarat’s hallmark.

Baccarat is the world’s leading manufacturer of crystalware. Founded in 1764 under the patronage of Louis XV as Renault et Compagnie, the firm became known as the Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat during the nineteenth Century.

The company began to flourish at the beginning of the Nineteenth Century, as the effects of the Napoleonic Wars abated, and its reputation was consolidated by the official approval from various sovereigns and heads of state. At the 1823 Exposition Nationale in Paris, it was Baccarat’s crystalware that Louis XVIII was said to have particularly admired, appreciating its ‘beautiful workmanship’.

Details:
Height – 29 inches / 74cm
Diameter – 13.5 inches / 34cm