Amongst the finest—and most prestigious—of glassmakers in the world stands Baccarat. The company was founded in 1764 in Baccarat, France (about 250 miles east of Paris). The Bishop of Metz sought a new business for the village—hopefully one which could use the large supply of firewood produced in the diocese. He appealed to King Louis XV who authorized the glassworks.
The company's initial production was fairly pedestrian: window panes and tableware. But, in 1817, the company developed an improved crystal formula (using nickel oxide) and from this point Baccarat Crystal narrowed its focus to the finest, high-end merchandise. Maharajahs, Tsars, Napoleon III and The Japanese Imperial Court commissioned pieces. Other customers included Coco Chanel, Prince Rainier & Princess Grace of Monaco, Josephine Baker, Maria Callas & Aristotle Onassis.
One of Baccarat's smart ideas was to produce paperweights (starting in 1846) which became affordable luxuries to an upper-middle class collector. This business remained consistent as long as the workshop produced interesting and collectible new designs. Baccarat made a splash at the First Paris World's Fair in 1855 and helped develop Art Deco at the Exposition des Arts Décoratifs in 1925.
Baccarat still makes exquisite hand-blown crystal to this day. The Modernist soliflore (bud vase), shown above, is blown in a biomorphic "waterdrop" form. It will beautifully present a single perfect stem—or look wonderful sitting empty, catching the light. Click on the photo above to learn more about this handsome French vase.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248