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Escalier de CRISTAL (in the spirit of), Pair of pink porcelain potpourris, 19th century

This pair of 19th-century potpourris in the Louis XVI style consists of a porcelain bowl and lid in a magnificent matt pink colour. The “putoisage” technique used, which gives the piece its slightly speckled appearance, almost creates a relief effect that lends character to the porcelain. The resulting light effect compliments the brilliance of the original gilded bronze that adorns the pots. The gilded bronze elements on these pieces include the pinecone-shaped handle. This is a recurring motif in decorative art, symbolising fertility and regeneration. The openwork bronze necks of the containers are decorated with olive branches, an elegant and clever way of allowing the scents contained in the potpourri to escape. Finally, the pots rest on three legs finished by lion paws set on a base engraved with stylised acanthus leaves. Under the three legs, a flame reminds us of fire pots, these architectural ornaments typical of the classical and baroque periods. This set was produced in the spirit of the Escalier de Cristal by a manufacturer whose production quality is very similar to that of this great Parisian house. Heiress of the great merchant-mercers of the eighteenth century, Escalier de Cristal was a famous company during the Restoration created in 1808 and closed in 1923. Merchant-editor, the Escalier de Cristal produced small furniture and luxury objects. For the realization of its models, Escalier de Cristal most often called upon Parisian artists specializing in a specific technical field. Here is a rare photo of Escalier de Cristal pieces amongst which we can find a potpourri. Archive photo « Cl. 105 », An Escalier de Cristal potpourri, © Galerie Marc Maison.