Pair of Art Deco cassolettes; France, ca. 1930.

Pair of Art Deco cassolettes; France, ca. 1930.
Bracatelle marble with gilded bronze mounts.
Measurements: 48 x 20 x 20 cm.
The cassolette form has its roots in the 18th century, when these ornamental vessels—inspired by ancient perfume burners—became a common feature of European palace decor. During the Art Deco period, this historic form was revived and transformed, stripping it of the excesses of historicism to give it a more refined, sculptural, and balanced presence. In this case, the baluster-like silhouette emphasizes verticality and monumentality, giving each piece a strong architectural presence.
The material of choice is Brocatelle marble, whose irregular veining in shades of cream, ivory, and reddish hues creates a pictorial effect of great visual richness. The choice of this stone reflects the Art Deco preference for highly expressive natural materials. From a stylistic perspective, these works are part of the French movement inspired by the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, an event that established Art Deco as an international design language. However, they also incorporate references to the so-called Skyscraper Style, which developed particularly in the United States, where the architecture of iconic buildings became a source of inspiration for furniture designers.