One of the world’s foremost crystal manufacturers, Baccarat has long been emblematic of luxury and exquisite craftsmanship. Starting in the early 19th century, objects produced by the French company — from stemware to chandeliers to brightly colored paperweights — became a staple of noble and wealthy households across Europe and as far afield as India. Along with the purity and quality of their glass, Baccarat crystal makers can boast a remarkable fluency with a range of design styles — from cut-glass neoclassical pieces to sinuously etched Art Nouveau designs.
Baccarat began as a kind of industrial development project. In 1764, the Bishop of Metz and other landowners in heavily forested northeastern France persuaded Louis XV to sanction a glassworks in the area — timber being a key resource required for the furnaces used in glass production.
In its early years the company produced humble products such as window panes and simple drinking glasses. In 1816 a new owner began making crystal, and seven years later Louis XVIII — who had taken the throne after the defeat of Napoleon — gave Baccarat its first royal commission, for tableware. In the ensuing years, an estimated one-third of the company’s workforce was dedicated to commissions to the Russian imperial court alone.
Spurred by the intense competition between global industries in the latter 19th century — fought in public view in the many world expositions of the era — Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat, as it had finally become known, elevated its level of artistry by adopting new technologies and creating a rigorous training program. The firm broadened its stylistic range, embracing Asian influences and new engraving methods, and increasing production of its now iconic millefiori paperweights.
The designer Georges Chevalier, who worked for Baccarat for more than five decades beginning in 1916, ushered the company into the realm of modernist design. In recent years, Baccarat has employed such renowned contemporary designers as Philippe Starck and Marcel Wanders, ensuring that Baccarat crystal will continue to enjoy pride of place on up-to-date tables. But as you will see from the offerings on these pages, Baccarat has items to suit any taste.
Find antique Baccarat decanters, vases, candle holders, chandeliers and other furnishings and objects for sale on 1stDibs.
$1,093
H 2.76 in Dm 2.76 in
Antique French Baccarat Scramble Millefiori Art Glass Paperweight, Circa 1850
Located in Nottingham, GB
A rare antique Baccarat scramble paperweight, made in France circa 1850 during the classic period of French glass paperweight production. The composition features upset latticinio m...
Art Glass
$509
H 1.97 in W 2.37 in D 1.97 in
Millefiori Italian glass paperweight extremely colourful and tactile circa 1920
Located in Central England, GB
We have for sale a most unusual, eye-catching paperweight, most likely Italian Murano glass, dating to circa 1920. This paperweight is quite rare as it has millefiori cane decorati...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
$154Sale Price|62% Off
H 1.58 in Dm 2.37 in
Vasart Millefiori Glass Paperweight, Handcrafted in Scotland, 1960s
By Vasart
Located in Glasgow, GB
Vasart millefiori paperweight handcrafted in Scotland. A highly collectible glass paperweight and wonderful example of Vasart craftsmanship and artistry. This beautiful paperweight...
Art Glass
$242Sale Price|66% Off
H 2 in Dm 2.9 in
Glass Millefiori Vasart Paperweight Hand Blown, Scotland circa 1960
By Vasart
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a beautiful handblown Glass Millefiori Paperweight by Vasart, Scotland, Circa 1960 or slightly earlier back to the 1950's. This paperweight is handmade with a Millefiori, six spoke radial cane design. having Latticino Spokes. The predominant red, green and white colour combination gives excellent contrast producing a very distinctive weight. The pontil mark to the base has been ground down giving a somewhat matt finish to the ventral section. There are no makers markings on the base that we can see. VASART HISTORY Pre 1946, Salvador Ysart and his 3 sons were working for Moncrieff Glass, then In September 1946, Salvador Ysart and two of his sons (Vincent & Augustine) established Ysart Brothers Glass (trading as "Vasart", formed from the names 'Vincent', 'Augustine' and 'Salvador'. At that time Paul Ysart remained working for Moncrieff. Vasart made various glass art forms at the Shore Glassworks in Scotland, which included some paperweights including Minis. In 1960 George Dunlop (MD of Pirelli Glass...
Glass
Millefiori Paperweight Murano Italian Art Glass Paperweight, 1960s
By Formia Murano
Located in Antwerp, BE
Murano midcentury modern 1960s Millefiori flower, green, blue, red, white murine Italian Art Glass paperweight.
Art Glass, Murrine
$796Sale Price|20% Off
H 2 in Dm 2.63 in
Antique Baccarat Concentric Millefiori Signed Glass Paperweight
By Baccarat
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A magnificent c.1950s Baccarat Five Row Concentric Close-Packed Millefiori Paperweight. The base features the acid etched post-war Baccarat mark. Large and showy with great bright co...
Glass
Mid-20th Century Murano Millefiori Paperweight
By Murano Glass Sommerso
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Mid-20th century Murano millefiori paperweight. Finely done with white, blues, green, mauve & pink. 2.75" dia. x 3" h. We are a family business that has been a major source for the ...
Murano Glass
Millefiori Murano Glass Paperweight, Hand Blown, Italy, 1960s Design
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Millefiori Italian art glass paperweight Beautiful glass art paperweight in millefiori design in various shades of blues, red and white, accenting the close concentric complex. Mur...
Glass
Millefiori Glass Paperweight by Perthshire, Crieff Scotland, circa 1970's
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a beautiful handmade Millefiori collectors Paperweight, made by the Scottish maker, Perthshire of Crieff, Circa 1970's. This paperweight is handmade with a mixed Millefiori...
Glass
$1,217
H 1.97 in W 3.15 in D 3.15 in
Limited Edition Decorative French Glass "Lattice Paperweight" by Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in London, GB
A mid 20th Century decorative glass paperweight featuring intricate millefiori-style floral canes set in a clear dome. The design includes colorful, detailed flower patterns embedded...
Glass
Baccarat Paperweight Millefiori and Gridels Miniature c1850
By Baccarat
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : Antique Baccarat Paperweight with Millefiori and Gridels On Muslin Miniature c1850 Date : c1850 Origin : France Features : Three...
Glass
Antique Baccarat Paperweight With Millefiori Garland c1850
By Baccarat
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : Antique Baccarat Paperweight With Millefiori Garland c1850 Date : c1850 Origin : France Features : Eight garland loops of millef...
Glass
Antique Baccarat Millefiori Garland Paperweight c1880
By Baccarat
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : An Antique Baccarat Millefiori Garland Paperweight c1880 Date : c1880 Origin : France Features : A millefiori garland of eight loops around a concentric ring and centre can...
Glass
Baccarat Millefiori Rondels On Muslin Ground Paperweight 1973
By Baccarat
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : A Baccarat Millefiori Rondels On Muslin Ground Paperweight 1973 Date : 1973 Origin : France Features : Six millefiori rondels ( one ring concentric ) around central rondel ...
Glass
Salvador Ysart Paperweight Spaced Millefiori c1950
By Salvador Ysart
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : Salvador Ysart Paperweight Space Millefiori c1950 Date : c1950 Origin : Scotland Features : Large concentric millefiori canes in a two row concentric set up on a lilac gro...
Glass
Baccarat Paperweight – Gridels On Muslin Ground c1850
By Baccarat
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : A Baccarat Paperweight – Gridels On Muslin Ground Miniature c1850 Date : c1850 Origin : France Features : Seven spaced millefiori canes. four gridel canes. dog. horse. deer...
Glass
