{"product_id":"antique-french-napoleon-iii-holy-water-font-champleve-enamel-cross-on-white-marble","title":"Antique French Napoleon III Holy Water Font, Champleve Enamel Cross on White Marble","description":"\u003cp\u003eFine antique French Napoleon III or Victorian era 7.25\" tall Holy water font or \"\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebénitier\u003c\/span\u003e\"with colorful champleve enamel inlaid gilt bronze cross \u0026amp; font displayed on a cream or off white colored marble or alabaster \u0026amp; bronze plate backing!  One of a handful of old champleve Holy fonts that I've been working on over the last few weeks, just getting them cleaned up a bit and ready for photos and listings so be sure to browse our inventory.  Sevres blue or turquoise, red and blue enamel set into the gilt bronze cross \u0026amp; font.  Both a religious devotional item and a work of fine decorative art, characteristic of the ornate craftsmanship popular during the French Second Empire under Napoleon III. It would likely have been used in a private chapel or home.  During the 18th and 19th centuries, especially in devout Catholic households in France, it was common to have a domestic holy water font mounted near a bedroom door or in a hallway.  Family members would bless themselves before prayers, before bed, or when leaving the house, invoking divine protection and sanctity within the home.  A wonderful decorative and\/or devotional piece and one of a few that we currently have available.  Browse \u0026amp; enjoy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood condition.  Some small nips to the outer edge of the marble or alabaster cross.  There is a repaired break to the stone visible at the bottom of the champleve cross, it has been glued and then the stone covered in a thick gloss clear coat for added strength.  No damage or loss to the enamel inlay.  See images for all measurements.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antiques \u0026 Uncommon Treasure","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47451756364030,"sku":"625font5","price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0298\/3392\/0556\/files\/625font5a.jpg?v=1761329913","url":"https:\/\/antiques-uncommon-treasure.com\/products\/antique-french-napoleon-iii-holy-water-font-champleve-enamel-cross-on-white-marble","provider":"Antiques \u0026 Uncommon Treasure","version":"1.0","type":"link"}