Pair Of Louis XVI Salt Cellars In Solid Silver And Crystal That Can Be Used As Egg Cups

Pair of neoclassical tripod salt cellars in the shape of Athenians. The solid silver mount is finely chiseled with rams' muzzles, the architectural feet ending in leafy hooves. The body is decorated with garlands of fruits, flowers and foliage joined by ribbon knots to a gadrooned cornice. This superb pair is complete with its ovoid blue crystal linings.

Hallmarks
•    Minerva 1st title (French mark for solid silver 950/1000).
•    Master goldsmith (partially engraved).

Mesure
•    Height: 5.5 cm
•    Width: 6.2 cm
•    Diameter: 5.4 cm.

Silver weight: 148 grams.

Condition report
Very good condition. Slight difference on the lower part of one of the two glasses. Remarkable quality of chiseling.


These two delicate pieces are part of the 19th century high society's craze for the Louis XVI style and particularly the goût Marie-Antoinette, expressed in modern applications. They take the form of the famous nipple bowl created in 1787 by the sculptor Louis-Simon BOIZOT (1743-1809) and the painter Jean-Jacques LAGRENÉE (1739-1821) for the Rambouillet Laiterie de la Reine, in the antique style very fashionable at the time. The quality of the carving is quite remarkable.