19th Century Silver-Plated Metal Centerpiece with Vine Branches Decor

Silver-plated metal centrepiece with a curve-shaped plate adorned with a vine branches frieze on the edge, standing on four small curved legs with similar decor. Plate topped by a sort of openwork wicker basket with arches shape edges braided up and down. Work realized at the late of the 19th century. The table centrepiece is a silverware piece taking part of the most decorative pieces of table and which gathers the salt shakers, spice boxes, mustard pot, oil and vinegar cruets or sugar bowl in the centre of the table. This item appeared on tables in the 17th century and was a functional item for service. Its creation coincided with the appearance of the service à la française where spices and herbs needed to be gathered in a permanent space indicated by a decorative and useful structure. At the beginning of the 18th century, he lost his useful aspect to become a decorative item sometimes serving to enhanced the table, with rocaille ornaments and with recurring subjects such as hunting. Under Napoleon the 1rst, this decorative tradition continued with centrepieces adorned with statuettes, architectural or decorative elements. In the 1830-1840s, two tendencies were developed: a naturalist treatment and Gothic Revival style. Finally, under Napoleon III, centrepieces resulted in pieces imitating public monuments and gardens of the period. Centrepieces disappeared at the beginning of the 20th century with the table becoming empty of decorative elements to only conserve useful items.