FRENCH CRYSTAL AND SILVER BUTTER DISH ON A STAND. NEOCLASSICISM, FIRST

A French circular butter dish on a stand, crafted from clear cut crystal and silver. The piece comprises a broad circular dish, a central cylindrical receptacle and a removable domed cover. This construction corresponds to the historical type known in France as a beurrier sur plateau, intended for the formal presentation of butter and for maintaining its temperature during service. The broad rim of the stand is enclosed within a silver mount decorated with regular diagonal fluting. The central section is articulated by a smooth silver band, creating a restrained horizontal emphasis. The cover is cut with radiating lobes and surmounted by a silver pinecone finial resting upon a stylised acanthus-leaf rosette. The symmetrical composition, fluted decoration, acanthus rosette and botanical finial derive from the decorative vocabulary of late 18th-century French Classicism. The character of the workmanship, construction and overall modelling nevertheless indicate a later creation, executed within the Neoclassical tradition of the first half of the 20th century and inspired by the aesthetic language of the Louis XVI style. Marks: French state guarantee mark in the form of the head of Minerva within an octagonal cartouche. The lozenge-shaped maker`s mark is only partially legible and requires further research. Dimensions: Height: 13 cm. Diameter: 19 cm. Weight: Total weight: 721.04 g. Material: Crystal, silver; cutting, casting, chasing and mounting. Condition: Very good condition. Minor traces of age and careful use, with natural patination to the silver. No significant visible damage to the crystal.

Estimate:£167.17

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