Object Description
Very large French gilt crystal drinking suite of glasses
French, c. 1960
Wine glass: Height 18cm, diameter 7cm
Cocktail glass: Height 15cm, diameter 10cm
This exceptional post-war crystal table service includes around 60 pieces, featuring hock glasses, wine glasses, champagne coupes, and matching serving bowls, all richly embellished with engraved and gilded rosettes framed by delicate beaded borders. The weight and clarity of the crystal reflect the quality associated with leading French manufacturers of the period, while the elegant design demonstrates both technical skill and refined artistry.
Drawing on neoclassical inspiration, the decoration incorporates Directoire and Empire motifs, including anthemion friezes and beaded trims. Services of this scale and quality were typically commissioned for formal entertaining, reflecting the status and taste of their owners, and post-war French workshops continued this tradition of luxurious tableware for discerning collectors.
Each item is decorated with a combination of acid-etched and wheel-detailed gilding, forming a continuous frieze around bowls, rims, and stems. The gilding extends to the feet, underscoring the exceptional craftsmanship, while the faceted stems add subtle architectural structure and refract light with understated brilliance.
This impressive service combines historical significance, aesthetic refinement, and technical excellence, making it a remarkable and distinguished addition to any fine dining or formal entertaining collection.