{"title":"Opaline Glass: French Elegance Echoing Venetian Tradition","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"205\" data-end=\"512\"\u003eOpaline glass, developed in France during the 19th century, represents both innovation and elegance in the history of decorative glassmaking. Distinguished by its milky translucence and radiant spectrum of colours, it evolved from Venetian \u003cem data-start=\"445\" data-end=\"454\"\u003elattimo\u003c\/em\u003e (milk glass) while reflecting distinctly French tastes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"514\" data-end=\"907\"\u003eVenetian \u003cem data-start=\"523\" data-end=\"532\"\u003elattimo\u003c\/em\u003e originated in the 15th century as a response to Europe’s appetite for Chinese porcelain. Italian craftsmen produced opaque white glass that imitated porcelain’s milky finish, and the technique spread across Europe. By the early 19th century, French glassmakers reimagined this tradition, adding vibrant pastels and jewel tones to create what became known as opaline glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"909\" data-end=\"1351\"\u003eOpaline glass flourished under Louis-Philippe I and Napoleon III, with prestigious houses such as Baccarat and Saint-Louis leading production. The material was used for vases, bowls, perfume bottles, and paperweights, while even furniture pieces—tables and cabinets—were sometimes embellished with opaline panels. Gilded mounts, enameled details, and finely worked forms enhanced its appeal to Europe’s royal courts and wealthy bourgeoisie.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1353\" data-end=\"1650\"\u003eThe charm of opaline lies in its luminous quality, subtle glow, and the artistry of its varied designs. Whether softly coloured or richly decorated, opaline glass reflects the ingenuity of French craftsmanship and remains a cherished collectible for connoisseurs of 19th-century decorative arts.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"pair-of-french-opaline-vases-mounted-as-table-lamps","title":"Pair of French Opaline Vases Mounted as Table Lamps","description":"\u003cp\u003ePair of French Opaline Vases Mounted as Table Lamps\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn elegant pair of French 19th-century opaline vases, now expertly mounted as table lamps, offering a refinement and decorative flourish typical of the later Napoleon III period. The hand painted decoration and delicate gilding showcase the luxurious tastes that characterised French interiors of this era, making these antique table lamps not only functional but also highly ornamental.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: France\u003cbr\u003eDate: Circa 1875\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: White opaline glass with hand painted and gilt embellishments\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: Height to top of vase: 30 cm (12 ins); Diameter: 13 cm (5 ins)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Very good condition commensurate with age, retaining excellent patina and vivid decoration\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese antique table lamps exemplify the artistry and innovation of late 19th-century French glassworks, displaying a craftsmanship familiar from notable houses such as Baccarat. The opaline glass, sought after for its milky translucence and smooth finish, is carefully adorned with vertical bands of hand painted florals interspersed with gilt foliate divisions—a style much admired by collectors and connoisseurs today. Comparable examples can be viewed in leading museum collections, underscoring the enduring appeal and collectability of fine French opaline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotable Features:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDelicate hand painted flowers, each brushstroke executed with precision  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGilt foliate banding dividing the florals and accentuating the elegant form  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal bands of gilding to bases and rims, providing an opulent finish  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTimeless vase shape, now thoughtfully converted to antique table lamps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs decorative objects, these pieces combine the graceful symmetry of classical French design with the playful, romantic ornamentation favoured during the reign of Napoleon III. Their slender profile and harmonious proportions allow for versatile placement, either as focal points in a period-inspired sitting room or as complementary accents in a more contemporary interior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollectors and interiors enthusiasts alike will appreciate not only the rarity and distinguished provenance of these table lamps, but also their practical application. Well-suited for display on bedside tables, sideboards, or as a striking addition to any lighting collection, this pair of French opaline table lamps offers both historical charm and aesthetic versatility.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nwtiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51136844235089,"sku":"72032","price":1650.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/background-editor_output_f773d486-5e47-414e-884a-bef38e01205e.png?v=1747908029"},{"product_id":"pair-of-opaline-glass-vases-and-covers","title":"Pair of Opaline Glass Vases and Covers","description":"\u003cp\u003ePair of Opaline Glass Vases and Covers – Works of Art\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis exceptional pair of opaline glass vases and covers represents the refined artistry of nineteenth-century France, blending delicate form with vibrant ornamentation. Crafted during the height of the Napoléon III period, these decorative vases exemplify the elegance and innovation characteristic of French glasswork during the mid-1800s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: France\u003cbr\u003eDate: Circa 1845\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: White opaline glass, gilt decoration, ruby paste cabochons\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: Height 38 cm (15 ins)\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Excellent, with bright gilding and minor age-related wear\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn terms of design and execution, these opaline glass vases are closely allied with the celebrated works of French ateliers such as Baccarat and Saint-Louis, both of which were renowned for luxury glass production at the time. The rich white opaline body, adorned with brightly painted roses and gilt borders, reflects the exuberant decorative tastes seen in contemporaneous objets d’art held in European collections. Similar examples can be found in the collections of the Musée d’Orsay and the Victoria \u0026amp; Albert Museum, demonstrating the enduring appreciation for this style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotable Features:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExquisite hand-painted floral motifs framed by elegant gilded bands\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTall, tapering lids culminating in clear glass ball finials, a design flourish frequently associated with opaline glass of this era\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStudded with striking ruby paste cabochons, adding a luxurious and tactile dimension to the pieces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sinuous bulbous forms of these vases evoke the early stirrings of the Rococo Revival, while the symmetrical arrangement and fine detailing recall Neoclassical influences prevalent under the Napoléon III regime. Their relatively large scale enhances their visual impact, making them particularly desirable to collectors of nineteenth-century French glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the discerning enthusiast or interior designer, this pair of opaline glass vases offers considerable value. Their rarity, superb condition, and vibrant enamel work make them suitable as stand-out display pieces, whether gracing a mantelpiece or forming the focal point of a curated collection. As vases, objets d’art, or conversation starters, they speak eloquently of a golden age in French glass artistry.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collection TH10","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51285812904273,"sku":"89729","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/background-editor_output_44c3a367-7314-4b31-93c9-88b30e945be9.png?v=1750400937"},{"product_id":"pair-of-white-opaline-and-gilt-glass-charles-x-candlesticks","title":"Pair Of White Opaline And Gilt Glass Charles X Candlesticks","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrance circa 1825\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhite Opaline Glass Candlesticks of baluster form decorated with gilt floral sprays framed within lines of gilt standing on stepped circular bases, each has a machined gilt bronze socle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHeight 20 cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Sold Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51458820768081,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/pair-of-white-opaline-and-gilt-glass-charles-x-candlesticks.jpg?v=1752700830"},{"product_id":"french-opaline-glass-globe-lamp","title":"French Opaline Glass Globe Lamp","description":"","brand":"The Sold Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51461107384657,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/french-opaline-glass-globe-lamp.jpg?v=1752740394"},{"product_id":"french-empire-opaline-and-bronze-night-light","title":"French Empire Opaline And Bronze Night Light","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn empire bronze and gilt opaline night light\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA rare and unusual Empire night light or incense burner. The pierced bronze lid is surmounted ny a gilt bronze owl. The campagna form of the body is frosted opaline and supported on a gilt and bronze base, the stem and foot and also in gilt bronze and slightly dished to hold matches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrance circa 1810\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eheight 8 in (20 cms)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Sold Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51461170364753,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/french-empire-opaline-and-bronze-night-light.jpg?v=1752740987"},{"product_id":"pair-of-opaline-glass-vases-as-table-lamps","title":"Pair of Opaline Glass Vases as Table Lamps","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn unusual pair of opaline glass vases, finely painted with realistic irises and narcissi. Now illuminated and used as table lamps. Attributed to the Richardson glass works of Stourbridge, circa 1850.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach stands 16 inches tall\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collection TH30","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51926356001105,"sku":"456899","price":4500.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/IMG_6756_d3cf6b11-8d7d-4b86-aa47-d48f8086b7fb.jpg?v=1758280887"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/collections\/0W2A0374-copy-scaled-1-1536x1536.jpg?v=1757805314","url":"https:\/\/nwtiques.com\/collections\/opaline.oembed","provider":"Nicholas Wells Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}