- 95
A pair of very large cut glass urns and covers probably Voneche, early19th century
Description
- each 60cm. high, 23½in.
Condition
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Baccarat Glass dates back to 1765 when the Bishop of Metz wanted to stimulate commerce in the little village of Baccarat, some 250 East of Paris. The Verrerie de Sainte Anne at Baccarat was created. It successfully manufactured all kinds of utility glassware and prospered for many years, surviving even the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars.
In 1815, during the aftermath of the Napoleonic War, the French border reverted to its 1790 boundary line. The great French glassworks at Voneche in Northern France found itself outside the new French frontier in the newly created country of Belgium. The owner of Voneche, a Parisian named Aime-Gabriel D'Artigues, bought the Baccarat glassworks so that he could re-establish his business in France and continue to serve French customers without paying heavy import taxes. There is a story that he struck a deal with the King of France to reduce his import taxes from Voneche in return for setting up again in France.
The new company, Voneche-Baccarat, focused on high quality lead-crystal glass and over the past 180 years Baccarat has developed many new techniques in making the finest crystal glass. In 1822 D'Artigues sold the glassworks and the new owners set up the Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat (keeping Voneche as part of the name until 1843). It soon became and remains today, the foremost glassworks in France. The company won medals at major exhibitions in Paris from 1823 onwards.