ODIOT – Covered Silver Bonbonniere, Napoleon III Period

An elegant covered bonbonniere in solid silver, attributed to the prestigious Parisian firm Odiot, crafted in the refined style of the grand ceremonial pieces presented at the 1867 Universal Exhibition.

This sumptuous piece rests on a finely molded circular base and rises into a baluster-shaped body richly chased with ornamental frescoes, foliate scrolls, and exquisitely delicate neoclassical motifs. The particularly elaborate decoration testifies to remarkable goldsmithing: cartouches, garlands, and interlacing patterns unfold elegantly across the entire surface, subtly capturing the light.

The scrolled side handles lend balance and majesty to the whole, while the harmoniously proportioned domed lid is surmounted by a finely sculpted finial that completes the object's slender silhouette. The interior, entirely lined with vermeil, offers a precious contrast to the satiny sheen of the sterling silver. The piece bears the Minerva hallmark, guaranteeing the purity of the French sterling silver.

The accompanying document provides a particularly interesting element for the attribution and stylistic context of this sweetmeat dish. It is a page from a book devoted to the creations of the Odiot firm presented at the 1867 Universal Exhibition.

The text describes a "Louis XVI tea service, in vermeil, with bas-reliefs," the carving of which is attributed to Gilbert and the chasing to Diomède, one of the great chasers working for Odiot in the 19th century. The engraving reveals a decorative vocabulary very similar to that of this sweetmeat dish.

"The finely chased bas-relief decoration and rich Louis XVI-style ornamentation bring this piece close to the prestigious creations presented by the Odiot firm at the 1867 Universal Exhibition, illustrating the Second Empire's taste for the renewal of French decorative arts."

Dimensions: Height: 28 cm - Width: 13 cm -

 Width with handles: 19 cm - Base diameter: 9.5 cm

Material: 950/1000 sterling silver

Weight: 1220 grams

Hallmark: Minerva

Period: 19th century, Napoleon III era

Silversmith: Attributed to the Odiot firm

Origin: France/Paris