ANTIQUE 19thC FRENCH ORMOLU MOUNTED ONYX TAZZA, EUGÈNE CORNU c.1870
Antique magnificent 19th Century French ormolu mounted onyx marble tazza, masterfully crafted by Eugène Cornu, exudes timeless elegance. Resting upon a trio of exquisitely adorned ormolu-mounted legs, each embellished with leaf-capped scrolled motifs culminating in lion paw feet, this piece is a testament to fine craftsmanship. The legs are further enhanced with cast faces adorned with intricate acanthus leaf foliage. Rising from these legs is a tapered stem supporting the majestic onyx marble top. It bears the signature "E. CORNU 24 Boul des ITALIENS".
Reference Number: E10181
DESCRIPTION
Antique magnificent 19th Century French ormolu mounted onyx marble tazza, masterfully crafted by Eugène Cornu, exudes timeless elegance. Resting upon a trio of exquisitely adorned ormolu-mounted legs, each embellished with leaf-capped scrolled motifs culminating in lion paw feet, this piece is a testament to fine craftsmanship. The legs are further enhanced with cast faces adorned with intricate acanthus leaf foliage. Rising from these legs is a tapered stem supporting the majestic onyx marble top. It bears the signature "E. CORNU 24 Boul des ITALIENS". This piece not only embodies history but also serves as a striking decorative addition to any household table, infusing it with sophistication and charm.
Sculptor Eugène Cornu (1827-1899), originally based at N.29 rue Popincourt in Paris, transitioned from his role as a designer and later director at the esteemed Tahan company to collaborate closely with the "Compagnie des Marbres Onyx d’Algérie," under the leadership of Gustave Viot, succeeding Alphonse Pallu, located at N.24 boulevard des Italiens. Together, they crafted opulent furniture and art pieces, blending onyx marble and bronze, occasionally incorporating enamel—a pioneering fusion that swiftly captivated affluent collectors. Their joint exhibit at the 1867 Universal Exhibition in Paris showcased exquisite onyx, bronze, and enamel vases (bearing the signature "G. Viot et Cie, Exposition de 1867, Eugène Cornu Inventeur"; Official Catalogue of the Exhibition, group III, class XIV, "luxury furniture," no. 65), earning them the prestigious Gold Medal (Reports of the International Jury, Universal Exhibition of 1867 in Paris, 1868, vol. III, group III, class XV, chapter II, § 2, pp. 45 & 46). By around 1873, Cornu assumed directorship of the company, which was then renamed "Société des Onyx d’Algérie E. Cornu et Cie." This moniker, alluding to the onyx quarries the firm exploited near Oran, Algeria, endured until the early 20th century.
CONDITION
In Great Condition - Wear expected with age. Please refer to photographs.
SIZE
Height: 19.5 cm // 7.68 in
Diameter: 29 cm // 11.42 in