Baccarat Crystal Bowl in Bronze Setting, 20th Century

The 19th and the early 20th century were not short of a historicism borrowed from symbolism and allegory. Here, two small newts emerge from a grove of aquatic plants from which the crystal cup rises, like a vaporous emanation. And, undoubtedly, this is not due to chance since a plaque reminds us that this object mounted in a bronze and gilded bronze setting was offered to the director of the company JJ Gilain in April 1906. However, this construction company, based in Belgium and, it seems, in France, had notably made a specialty of steam engines. Mr. Springer, its director in 1906, was also a recipient of the Legion of Honor. This cup is in perfect condition.