Stunning French blue opaline glass covered urn, Napoleon III period (circa 1850–1870), mounted with finely chased gilt bronze mounts. The opaline glows in a luminous robin’s egg blue, contrasted beautifully by a gilt acorn finial, a traditional symbol of prosperity and growth. Elegant, refined, and an exceptional display of 19th-century French craftsmanship.
An exquisite French blue opaline glass covered urn, dating to the Napoleon III period (circa 1850–1870). This luxurious decorative vessel showcases the mastery of mid-19th-century glassmakers who elevated opaline into one of the most prized materials of the Second Empire.
The urn is formed in blown opaline glass of vivid sky blue with a subtle translucence, supported by a circular foot with pale opalescent undertones. The hinged gilt bronze mount is finely detailed with a classical foliate motif and crowned by an acorn finial, a traditional symbol of prosperity and growth.
French opaline glass of this caliber was often commissioned for fine Parisian boutiques such as Baccarat, Saint-Louis, or the ateliers of the Palais Royal, where such caskets, urns, and boxes were prized as luxury gifts and dressing-table ornaments. This example retains its original ormolu mounts and bright color — a hallmark of quality and authenticity.
A timeless accent for collectors of 19th-century French decorative arts, or anyone drawn to the elegance of opaline glass.
• Material: French blue opaline glass with gilt bronze mounts
• Origin: France, circa 1850–1870
• Height: Approx. 9.5 inches (24 cm)
• Condition: Excellent antique condition; minimal wear to gilding consistent with age
Stunning French blue opaline glass covered urn, Napoleon III period (circa 1850–1870), mounted with finely chased gilt bronze mounts. The opaline glows in a luminous robin’s egg blue, contrasted beautifully by a gilt acorn finial, a traditional symbol of prosperity and growth. Elegant, refined, and an exceptional display of 19th-century French craftsmanship.
An exquisite French blue opaline glass covered urn, dating to the Napoleon III period (circa 1850–1870). This luxurious decorative vessel showcases the mastery of mid-19th-century glassmakers who elevated opaline into one of the most prized materials of the Second Empire.
The urn is formed in blown opaline glass of vivid sky blue with a subtle translucence, supported by a circular foot with pale opalescent undertones. The hinged gilt bronze mount is finely detailed with a classical foliate motif and crowned by an acorn finial, a traditional symbol of prosperity and growth.
French opaline glass of this caliber was often commissioned for fine Parisian boutiques such as Baccarat, Saint-Louis, or the ateliers of the Palais Royal, where such caskets, urns, and boxes were prized as luxury gifts and dressing-table ornaments. This example retains its original ormolu mounts and bright color — a hallmark of quality and authenticity.
A timeless accent for collectors of 19th-century French decorative arts, or anyone drawn to the elegance of opaline glass.
• Material: French blue opaline glass with gilt bronze mounts
• Origin: France, circa 1850–1870
• Height: Approx. 9.5 inches (24 cm)
• Condition: Excellent antique condition; minimal wear to gilding consistent with age