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Matthew Boulton's Neoclassical Masterpiece: The Duck Egg Blue Cassolette

This rare duck egg blue enamel and gilt bronze cassolette, attributed to Matthew Boulton, is a stunning example of neoclassical elegance. With its distinctive form, the cassolette serves both as an ornamental vessel and a practical candleholder, thanks to its innovative lid that inverts. Finished in exquisite gilt bronze and light blue enamel, it embodies the neoclassical period’s refined aesthetics, inspired by iconic designers such as Robert Adam and James Wyatt. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it features a sophisticated design and elaborate ornamentation. Measuring dimensions conducive to display, this piece not only enhances decor but also serves a functional purpose in lighting by candlelight.

Neoclassical Elegance Personified

The allure of this duck egg blue enamel and gilt bronze cassolette lies in its embodiment of the neoclassical era’s pursuit of harmony and proportion. Attributed to Matthew Boulton, a figure synonymous with quality and innovation, this piece reflects the period’s fascination with classical antiquity. The cassolette’s design, characterised by its inverted lid that transforms into a candleholder, exemplifies the era’s blend of functionality with decorative finesse. It is this combination of practical design and aesthetic appeal that draws me to appreciate its timeless beauty and utility.

A Fusion of Art and Functionality

This cassolette is not merely an object of beauty; it is a testament to the ingenuity of 18th-century craftsmanship. Its unique feature, a lid that ingeniously inverts to become a candleholder, speaks to a period when objects were designed to delight both visually and functionally. The use of duck egg blue enamel paired with gilt bronze is a sophisticated palette that would have been highly prized.

Inspired by Giants of Design

Attributed to Matthew Boulton and influenced by the neoclassical designs of Robert Adam and James Wyatt, this cassolette stands as a tribute to the creative fervor of the late 18th century. The neoclassical taste, marked by a revival of classical forms and motifs, is evident in the cassolette’s elegant proportions and decorative details. The acanthus ornamentation and the classical form resonate with the period’s architectural and decorative arts innovations. This piece encapsulates the spirit of an era that sought to harmonise the ancient with the modern, rendering it a captivating focus of my admiration.

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George III Period Blue Enamel Bronze & Ormolu Cassolette

Stock Number: 3547

A rare and unusual duck egg blue enamel and gilt bronze cassolette.
Attributed to Matthew Boulton. Chip to enamel – see photos

£8,000

In stock

This rarefied unique piece is subject to availability.
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Telephone: +44 (0) 207 6920 897

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Dimensions

Approximate Dimensions

  • Height: 20 cm (7.87 inches)

Period

Circa

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