Veuve Guenne et Gilquin, Paris. Besides the usual handsome mirrors set in glass and gilt wooden frames, this firm had quite a number of handsome toilet boxes of thick plate-glass, mounted in gilt metal frames. Also, a small obelisk in solid glass, cut in imitation of the monument of the Place de la Concorde.
The following were also exhibitors: C. Buquet, G. Bay, F. J Baulard, P. M. Compain, Schick-Weiler, A. Miellot, C. Girardin, H. Boucher, E. Paillard, E. Carpentier, E. Radius, A. Benda, all of Paris. Their exhibits consisted of beveled mirrors set in plate-glass frames, depolished and with clear engraving, plated over with cut pieces of plate glass, silvered, colored, or clear white; glass frames decorated in the usual style, but having a black background showing through the glass; wooden frames in white and yellow, in deep dead black, in carved wood, painted white and gilt; mirrors combined with buffets or cupboards; toilet glasses, set three together upon a stand; hand-glasses, plain and decorated; and common mirrors of blown plate, set in plain wooden frames.
Decorated glass.
In the decoration of fancy wares with enamel colors, in imitation of antique glass, the French seem to be much ahead of all other nations, excepting, perhaps, the Austrians, who are so well known for their fine decorated glass. The French, however, have produced some work in that line which, I think, cannot be equaled.
P. J. Brocard, of Paris, one of the most celebrated decorators, exhibited a variety of vases, bowls, plates, dishes, flagons, goblets, beautifully decorated in different colored enamel and gilded borders. These wares are made in imitation of antique glass, Arabian, Persian, and Roman. They are principally made of a green and brown tinted glass, with raised enamel designs. The conception and execution are in the highest style of art, and though I cannot particularly admire this style of decoration, the wonderful skill of the maker is undeniable. The goods exhibited were nearly all marked sold. I cannot undertake to describe them without the help of illustrations.
Gallé, of Nancy, another maker in the same line, exhibited wares decorated in the same style as Brocard, but he also decorates crystal or flint glass in enamels, and with handsome engraving. There was shown a peculiar Arabian vase of clear glass, with cover, decorated in arabesque, finely executed; vases decorated with a combination
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