Antique Glass Bonbonniere in Ornate Brass Frame with Handle — Historicism Style (antique glass bonbonniere brass frame with handle) (4564)

Dimensions: Dish height — 18 cm Height with raised handle — 29.5 cm Width — 13 cm

Antique glass candy dish in decorative brass frame with handle

Artistically valuable, small-sized, and expressively ornate 19th-century European table culture item — a cylindrical glass bonbonnière or candy dish in a decorative frame (antique glass bonbonniere brass frame with handle). The set consists of a removable, thick, and clear colorless glass dish with a smooth surface and a polished top rim. The glass body is placed in a finely crafted, cast, and gilded brass (or bronze) holder, decorated with magnificent Historicism and Neo-Rococo style decorative elements. The upper band of the frame is formed by a rhythmic belt of openwork ovals, below which are densely embossed floral bud and leaf garlands, as well as classical medallions. The dish is crowned by a high, sculptural, and curved arched handle with a fluted profile and acanthus leaf motifs at the base, ensuring comfortable and stable carrying of the item. The entire structure is supported by four integrated, stylized legs with a graceful, widened profile curve.

Period of manufacture Late 19th century, approximately 1880–1890. Historicism period, France or y.

Manufacturer / signature / hallmark The dish represents the performance of leading European art foundries and table silver manufacturers of the late 19th century, specializing in the production of combined glass and metal luxury items. Specific master stamps or hallmarks on the metal frame ribs have not been preserved, which is fully consistent with the traditions of decorative brass casting of this period.

Rarity and significance Candy dishes of this scale and sophistication, which have retained their original, undamaged glass insert and a firm, undeformed metal structure with a high handle, are highly valued among collectors. The artistic value of the item lies in the elegant contrast of materials, where clear, light glass meets heavy, intricately crafted, and patinated metal.

Application The dish is fully functional and serves excellently as a bonbonnière for serving candies and fine sweets at festive occasions or daily. It also serves as an unusually noble and elegant decorative accent in a classical interior on a serving table, console, dining table centerpiece, or in a display cabinet, attracting attention with its historical charm.

Condition In excellent antique condition. The clear glass insert is completely intact, without cracks, chips, or melting defects. The heavy brass frame, four legs, and high arched handle are completely firm, stable, and straight. The original, uneven historical patina and the shine of gilding in the recesses have been preserved on the metal surface, which perfectly highlights the embossed floral garlands.

Snapshot of historical style: Artist Vilhelms Purvītis sat at his studio table in the late evening hours, quietly and calmly humming a recently heard theater melody. He rhythmically tapped his brush-like pencil on the edge of the table, looking at the just-finished sketch of a winter landscape, where the lines of snowdrifts slowly merged with the twilight haze. Nearby, by the lit lamp, stood the small glass dish in its ornate brass frame — the poet Aspazija had just left a few colorful bonbons in it, whose sweet shimmer through the clear glass and the edges of the cast metal garlands caught the warm light. Complete, laconic peace reigned in the room, and this substantial object, in which delicate glass naturally combined with the weight of gilded brass casting, instantly transformed an ordinary working night moment before mixing colors into a ritual of complete and noble beauty.