Crystal Table Centerpiece Vase with Bronze — Napoleon III Style (6626)

Dimensions approximately: height 34 cm, width 24.5 cm.

A snapshot of the Napoleon III style, by Eižens Laube: A dim mystery reigned in the architect’s studio, broken only by the reflection of street lanterns and a single lit desk lamp. Sketches for the interior of the festive hall of Riga Castle lay on the drawing board, smelling of graphite, ink, and recently brewed black coffee, testifying to another long, work-filled evening.

Leaning back against the chair, the architect let his gaze wander beyond the rolls of paper, settling on a heavy yet incredibly delicate volume in the center of the room. Its bronze base, strictly symmetrical and adorned with relief acanthus leaves, rose with the grandeur befitting the Empire and Neoclassicism, transforming at the very top into a flowing tulip shape – a clear crystal goblet with vertical fluting, reaching towards the ceiling like the elegant spire of a building.

This flawless harmony between the constructive stability below and the airy freedom above seemed to him a perfect fusion of architecture and table culture. The vessel, where the lower tray once held exquisite confiture, and the upper vase stood above the guests’ view, proudly bearing flowers, reminded him of the same proportion of strength and grace that he strove to embody in his buildings.

Crystal Table Centerpiece Vase with Bronze — Napoleon III Style

This exquisite vase of crystal and bronze, often internationally referred to as a surtout de table or a centerpiece element, is a magnificent table decoration created in the opulent Napoleon III (Second Empire) style. This style, prevalent in France and influential across Europe, is itself a striking example of Historicism and eclecticism – it freely intertwined the majestic forms of previous centuries (Louis XVI, Empire) with the bourgeois perception of luxury of that era. The bronze base, with its strict symmetry and relief acanthus leaves, echoes neoclassical canons, while the tulip (goblet) silhouette of the glass parts and the cutting of vertical fluting create an elegant, plastic vertical dynamic.

Period of Manufacture The item dates from the second half of the 19th century (specifically from 1850 to 1870). This was a time when multi-tiered items of this type were primarily created for luxurious festive table settings and became an integral part of high society salons and formal dinners, where the aesthetics of food presentation went hand in hand with floral arrangements.

Manufacturer / Signature / Mark On the underside of the bronze base, an impressed factory number “3777” and a partially legible manufacturer’s stamp are found, indicating high-quality casting from Western Europe (most likely France or y).

Application & Interior Use The vessel’s design is multifunctional, combining several functions in one. The lower part (pedestal tray or etagere) was intended for sweets, snacks, small fruits, or delicate pastries. The upper part (tulip-shaped vase), in turn, was designed for fresh flowers or small decorative branches, allowing for the creation of a vertical arrangement that did not obstruct guests’ views across the table.

Condition The centerpiece vase is in excellent historical condition. The crystal is clear and intact, without cracks or chips, while the metal base has acquired a natural, very beautiful age patina with minor signs of oxidation on the underside, confirming its historical origin. The condition of the item is fully reflected in the photographs.