Crystal Match Dish with Bronze Cherub Handles

A pair of tiny cherub faces peeks out beneath the loop handles of this faceted crystal dish. A patterned bronze band follows the rim, lending warmth to the clear bowl and catching the light alongside its diamond-patterned sides.

The cherub mounts draw on a familiar motif in European decorative arts, where small figural ornaments were used to dress up vessels and table accessories. Here, the faces are tucked just below the handles, a detail that rewards a closer look.

Its shallow bowl is lovely for keeping matches beside a favorite candle or holding rings on a bedside table.

Details

• Origin — Unconfirmed
• Period — Undated
• Materials — Crystal with bronze mounts
• Form — Small round dish with two loop handles
• Decoration — Diamond-patterned crystal, patterned rim band, and cherub-face mounts
• Condition — Light variation to the bronze finish visible in the photographs. The crystal’s rim and underside have yet to be assessed in person.

Measurements: 3.5" W x 1.5" H