Superb early 1800s French candlestick and trinket tray, 7.25" length larger one, made in that fabulous old way we know marks it as a Palais Royal boutique offering of Paris, early 1800s. It has those wonderful coiled snakes into which a sprig of flowers would have been tucked to scent the air back then. Leaf-shaped, it is just perfect! The old Palais Royal was the Palace of Cardinal Richelieu, of course, and it remains today also a site of theater, restaurants and boutiques, but in the late 1700s through 1830s, it was a cultural center for the most elite of the world. Kings, Emperors, Presidents of Nations and military and industrial leaders frequented the site and its boutiques, took home souvenirs and supplied their passions for elegant articles from silver to porcelains, to cloth and finest trousse de voyage (travel cases), and on to trinkets and opaline and mother of pearl items like this. Those that survive are always highly sought after. We're pleased to offer this rare one - beautiful for bedside table, or to be a scented candle holder and guest soaps stand in a finely appointed bath - or just to add to your display collection. Full measurements are noted on our photos.
Very good to excellent, no damage at all to that natural half shell of pearlescently brilliant mother of pearl. The one that forms the bowl of the piece is good sized, shimmers a delightful range of color and is beautiful and undamaged. The heavy cast ormolu casement is elaborate, ornate and solid and perfect, too. None finer! No breaks and elegant as can be. Overall, it is 2.5" tall, 7.25" long at top and 4 3/8" wide. We bought most of a collection out and will have 2 good-sized tazza listed soon (one of which you'll see in the final photo her). Watch for those soon. Also several other pearl pieces to include a group of the trinket trays with little animals pulling carts - all will be offered separately. Look for them!
