Lovely antique French Napoleon III era Grand Tour style aperitif liqueur service, a gilt wire framework with vines & silvered leaves holding a large liquor barrel & six cordials or cups, all hand painted with white enamel foliate decoration! These aperitif sets were and still are an important part of French culture and tradition. The aperitif, served socially while guests arrive and before seating for dinner, a natural course of a formal dinner, to enliven the taste buds for the pleasure of the meal ahead. Serving sets for aperitif (various liqueurs, depending upon what was to be served later) took on all sorts of delightful playful forms. We're adding a few of these this week, including a majestic mule piece, elephant and small camel with liqueur panniers so be sure to browse some while you're with us. Thanks!
This one in wonderful condition but the two empty hooks near the top make it appear that there would have originally been eight cups. Original stopper, no chips or cracks though there may be a tiny nip or two here and there. See pictures for all measurements.
