{"product_id":"antique-french-white-opaline-glass-triple-caddy-in-ormolu-mount","title":"Antique French White Opaline Glass Triple Caddy in Ormolu Mount","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA wonderfully unusual antique French caddy composed of three cylindrical white opaline glass vessels held within an elaborate gilt-bronze or gilt-brass mount.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach opaque milk-white opaline cup is individually encircled at the upper and lower edges by gilt metal. The lower framework is particularly charming, ornamented with beaded borders, scrolling tendrils, stylized leaves, and a prominent five-petal flower. A tall twisted-rope handle rises from the center and terminates in a sculptural spherical element surrounded by intertwined foliage, allowing the entire piece to be carried as a single unit.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe restrained white opaline against the warm aged gilding is quintessentially French and gives the piece an especially elegant Napoleon III \/ late-19th-century toilette or tableware appearance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe exact original use is difficult to establish from the form alone. It appears to have functioned as a three-part portable caddy or holder, possibly intended for a dressing table, desk, or dining service. Because the three opaline vessels are identical and permanently arranged around a central carrying handle, I would avoid assigning an overly specific use unless documentation or a close period comparison is found.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eToday it would be beautiful used for flowers, makeup brushes, pens, or small vanity accessories.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEra\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLate 19th century, circa 1870–1890\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe white opaline glass, gilt-metal mounts, beaded ornament, scrolling botanical decoration, and twisted carrying handle are particularly characteristic of French decorative wares of the later 19th century.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistory\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrench opaline glass became highly fashionable during the 19th century and was frequently combined with finely cast or chased gilt-bronze mounts. While earlier Restoration and Louis-Philippe opaline often appears in vivid turquoise, pink, and green, opaque white opaline remained popular throughout the century, particularly when paired with elaborate gilt mounts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePortable multi-vessel holders were produced for a variety of domestic purposes, including the toilette, writing desk, and dining table. Their decorative mounts often elevated otherwise practical objects into luxurious furnishings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis example is especially appealing for the survival of all three matching opaline vessels and its highly decorative floral carrying frame.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrance; sourced in France\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterials\u003cbr\u003eWhite opaline glass\u003cbr\u003eGilt bronze and\/or gilt brass mount\u003cbr\u003eCast and chased floral decoration\u003cbr\u003eDimensions\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions to be added\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI would record:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall height including handle\u003cbr\u003eOverall width\u003cbr\u003eDiameter and height of each opaline vessel\u003cbr\u003eCondition\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGood antique condition with wear commensurate with age.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe three white opaline vessels appear intact in the photographs, with minor surface wear and small manufacturing irregularities consistent with antique glass.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe gilt-metal mount retains attractive aged surface variation with rubbing, oxidation, darkening, and losses to the original gilded finish, particularly along frequently handled areas and rims. Minor distortion or movement to the metal framework may be present from age and use.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlease review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDisclaimers\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe precise original function of this three-vessel caddy has not been definitively established. It is catalogued according to its physical form rather than assigning a speculative specialized use.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe metal is described as gilt bronze and\/or gilt brass based on visual examination; no metal assay has been performed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs with all antique objects, signs of age, previous use, minor repairs, surface variation, and manufacturing irregularities should be expected.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49259637637375,"sku":null,"price":285.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/44B998F1-DB29-453E-8586-6F124A94E6E6.png?v=1789916667","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/fr\/products\/antique-french-white-opaline-glass-triple-caddy-in-ormolu-mount","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}