French Crystal Casket

A tall French crystal casket, 20th century, built along the lines of a column rather than the usual low jewel box. Clear crystal is cut into long vertical panels that run the full height of the body, with a star-cut base below and a broad bevelled lid above. Light does the rest.

The two halves meet in a silver-toned mount: paired bands of fine repeating ornament, centered on a ribboned laurel wreath. The wreath and ribbon are pure Louis XVI, a vocabulary French makers have never seen a reason to abandon.

Keep it on a dressing table with rings or cotton rounds, or on a bookshelf with nothing in it at all. It does not need the help.

France, 20th century. Cut crystal with silver-toned metal mount.

4.75" H x 3" diameter.