FIRST GLANCE - Newly curated May 2014

Welcome to our 'First Glance' blog segment. We could try to list all what we’ve got waiting for you in our showroom but with that many pieces, that might be pretty close to impossible. So instead, we’ve created this periodical blog section just to give you an idea of what we have to offer and hopefully you’ll get a good glimpse of the breadth and depth of our selection. We look forward to your enquiries.

EPERGNE FD007

A stunning antique French crystal epergne (centrepiece) featuring beveled glass in a fluted shape and a scalloped rim, resting on an ornate bronze base. We believe this may be a Baccarat piece, but cannot be certain. Ca. 1860-1870. In excellent condtion despite its age. Dimensions (cm): Height 23.Condition: 1

Patine Curator's Note: "Epergne" is originally a French word. Initially, epergnes were used to hold all types of food or dessert. While some English silver epergnes date back as early as the late 1700's, epergnes mostly became popular during the Victorian era from 1800 to 1900, hitting their peak around the mid-1800's. The first examples were mostly silver. Later, glass bowls or trumpets were added onto silver, bronze, marble or stone stands. Soon, entire epergnes were being made of glass. They became a favorite decoration for the dining room table and are used today mostly as floral centrepieces. Fun fact: American singer Barbara Streisand was an avid collector of epergnes from the Art Nouveau period, and has since sold her collection to fellow antique lovers worldwide.

ART DECO GLASS BOWL DL013

This beautiful Art Deco bowl is a perfect example of rare moulded, pressed frosted glass pieces from the 1930s. The bold rectilinear border around the rim is typical of Art Deco decoration which is often remarkably modern in design. The bowl stands on 4 graceful scrolled feet which add both stability and elegance to the overall shape. The thick glass imparts a feeling of quality and opulence, and the deep facets adorning the base and sides provide a vibrant sparkle, especially in candlelight, bringing glamour and grandeur to its surroundings. This exquisite bowl would be a lovely accessory in any home. Ca. 1930. Condition: 1

CENTRE PIECE CHARLES SCHNEIDER BDX006

This magnificent centre piece was created by French glass master craftsman Charles Schneider in pure Art Deco style. It features subtle clear tones which extend from a smokey burgundy-tinted circular footbase, with fine patterns acid etched onto clear glass for contrasting texture. As is typical of this style, all moulded decorative features of this bowl are to its underside. With engraved signature "Verçais." This one-of-a-kind piece is an absolute must have for Art Deco lovers. Ca. 1918-1930. Dimensions (cm): Diameter 35. Condition : 1

Patine Curator's Note: Charles Schneider is recognized, and rightly so, as a leading force in art glass during the Art Deco period. He initiated and greatly influenced the transition in the French art glass movement from Art Nouveau to Art Deco. In the 1920s, Verreries Francaise was held in the same high esteem as the famous workshop of René Lalique. To this day, their glass creations remain highly sought after due to their remarkably creative forms and decorations. To learn more about this very talented glass maker, visit our blog's "Meet the Maker" series.

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