Exquisite Antique French Vermeil Jardinière By Mauger~Sold~

An Exquisite Antique French Vermeil and Cobalt Crystal Jardinière by Raoul MAUGER.

This lovely piece is worked in the Empire Style, showcasing typical elements of the period in its delicate décor.

The ‘Jardinière’ or Flower centre table if you would, was used in a variety of ways in order to embellish the table, by either setting flowers or fruits or other items that could enhance the set up.
I use mine during dinners with either peonies or wilder plants and the effect is charming as shown on the last photo of this presentation.
But you can use it in many other ways: to present fruits of course or sweets, or simply to decorate with a free standing candle in the middle of the table – The candles will bring out the cobalt blue of the crystal to a lovely effect!

This particular piece shows a lovely cut out work on the gallery which holds the cobalt blue crystal insert.
The oval Gilt (18 carat gold) Silver is worked with dancing Roman Style Goddesses holding in one hand Cornucopias (sometime also called horns of plenty) overflowing with fruits and flowers and in the other a laurel wreath.
The figures are linked by floral garlands to a gorgeous central laurel wreath.
The Jardinière rests on four feet showing winged Pharaoh’s head, typical of the ‘return from Egypt’ era that followed Napoleon’s campaign in that country.
The other highlights of the piece are the beautiful handles which are worked with Ram’s heads feasting on the fruits from two Cornucopias.
The ram’s heads are incredibly detailed and delicate.
The décor symbolises Prosperity and renewal.

The work is exquisite and extremely refined, just gorgeous really!
The cobalt blue insert is in perfect condition no chips or losses. The gilt silver gallery is in great condition without any losses or dents to it, and the vermeil is intact!

The Hallmark is ‘Minerve’ 1 -1st title (950/1000) – 1838 -1919– Paris

The Makers Mark is for ‘Maître Orfèvre’ Raoul MAUGER and shows an R and an M separated by the letter X.
The mark was registered on July 28th 1897, and was cancelled on May 10th 1904
The address was listed as 25 rue Portefoin in Paris, in the Marais area.

H: 3.54"W: 5.12 / L9.44"D: 3.14"Reference number: CC-137