A blue glass potpourri set

A three-piece ensemble, comprising a blue glass faceted potpourri vase with cover and two blue glass faceted vases with ormolu mounts on white marble bases.

France, Louis XVI, late 18th century.

Louis XIV was a lover of porcelain mounted in ormolu.
It was Louis XV and his favourite, the Marquise de Pompadour, who stirred up taste among his subjects and had these luxury objects manufactured in larger numbers so that it could spread throughout Europe.
It enhanced the Chinese and European porcelain loved in the 18th century.
The potpourri vases, filled with flower petals and oils, were used to improve the bad-smelling indoor air created by the lack of hygiene.
Paris was the centre for craftsmen and Paris dealers were able to attract buyers from all over Europe.

Literature: Les Bronzes Ornementaux et Les Objects Montes, De Louis XVI à Napoléon III,
Giacomo et Rozenn Wannenes, Editions Vausor, p. 317.