This beautiful French Antique Silver sugar bowl or casket is by ‘Maître Orfèvre’ Paul MASSAT.
The silver framework, which holds the cobalt blue glass interior, is cut away to reveal the darker colour enhancing the whole effect and outlining the beautiful carvings. The framework shows beautiful and elegant silver arabesques as well as medallions and delicate scrolls. The vessel rests on four arabesques like feet beautifully carved.
The lid is really gorgeous showcasing an amazing Gerbera flower, one of our favourite, a a Finial or ‘Frétel’ in all its glory, each petal exquisitely outlined and carved, with even the under petals carefully drawn. The flower rests on a crown of beautifuly carved acanthus leaves. The size of the bowl makes it ideal to either be used as a sugar bowl or serve as a condiment bowl or Caviar!!
The cobalt glass interior is original to the piece and in good condition. There are very little indents on the side (2 places) but not at all visible in the insert. The Silver bowl is in great condition with only a very very slight dent on the of the lid.
The Hallmark is Minerve 1 -1st title – Hence 1838 to 1919 – Paris
The Makers Mark is for ‘Maître Orfèvre’ Paul MASSAT and shows his last name and a Lyra underneath. He took over from his father, Jean Baptiste Massat, after working for several years with his brother. His mark was created in 1877 and cancelled in 1885. His address was listed as, 15 rue Crussol in Paris in the 11ieme Arrondissement of Paris, very close to the Place de La République. His catalogue of goods in 1877 shows an incredible selection of serving sets and serving dishes.