Do you know what this is? Contest time!
So, any idea what this decorative item is called and what purpose it served? The first to answer will receive their choice of a design book from my library.
Hints: This type of item dates back to Greece circa 500BC and was used for a specific purpose. This pair above is circa 1880, France, in the Louis XVI style. They are made of solid burgundy-colored marble with prominent white veining, gilt-bronze mounts and separate covers; neoclassical detailing with floral garlands, swans, ribbons and acorn tops.
6 comments:
I'd say they are cassolettes: a box, or vase, with a perforated cover to emit perfumes.
my guess is that they held wine????
Hey Linda, thanks for the comment. I am scanning over a dozen more staircase railings for my next post. This is iron railings with wood handrails. Will post either later today or over the weekend.
If they're solid marble, I'd guess the served as weights to hold something down, but beyond that I have no idea...
We have a winner - which is Leanna - they are indeed Cassolettes which were used to burn scented wax. These are incredibly heavy, as they are solid, and the cup to hold the wax is at the very top and probably holds about a cup and a half. Congrats Leanna! We'll chat about which book you'd like.
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