The French tradition of 'aperitif' or the liqueur service ahead of the beginning of a dinner or dining out is not only charming on it's own - it is turned into a broad array of the most charming antiques, a liqueur caddy, "cabaret" with the mouth-blown and enameled glass and barrels, often a figure or theme. We've had and sold quite a few sets over the decades: Blackamoor, camels, elephants, donkeys, bulls, sometimes ships or other elaborate and whimsical creations. This one is particularly wonderful. The French jester being the central figure shown protected by a 6.5" diameter canopy or umbrella top, 2 barrels, and 7 of the original matching small jigger cups, plus 5 near-match ones in the same amber glass, slightly different enameling. Full measurements are noted directly on our photos. RARE one, this!
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, this is a c.1840-70 set, remaining quite complete and without breaks, chips or damage to the primary set other than one little cup being cracked (noted on photos). The canopy and barrels are excellent, the barrels needing only small glass stopper or corks. The spout/spigots are working and this set can be used to serve 2 variations of French liqueur at your own entertaining table - aperitif service. We have matched 5 other amber glass cups which are slightly different in the enamel decoration, but look wonderful with the set. Large and impressive as these go. We have never seen another like it in 40 years of buying French antiques. RARE!
