A pair of French Belle Époque Opaline blue Celeste compotes, each bowl of ruffled, trumpet-shaped form decorated with silvered and gilded floral sprigs, supported by three finely cast silver cockerels. The figural supports rest upon domed bases chased with acanthus leaf borders and raised on ball feet.

Historical & Style Details

• Period: Victorian
• Origin: France
• Material / Technique: Frosted Opaline glass with silver decoration, cast and chased silver metal
• Materials: Glass, silvered metal
• Decorative Details: Ruffled rims, floral sprigs, three figural roosters, acanthus leaf borders, ball feet

History

During the late 19th century, French glassworks such as Portieux Vallerysthal and Baccarat produced highly decorative opaline and frosted glass wares often mounted on elaborate metal bases. The use of the Gallic rooster (coq gaulois) as a decorative motif was highly popular in France during the Belle Époque, symbolizing national pride and rustic charm. These whimsical yet elegant compotes were designed as table ornaments or sweetmeat dishes for fashionable late-Victorian and Edwardian dining rooms.