A french parcel-gilt silver, agate, enamel and pearl-set vintage cup on lapis lazuli stand, 'La Coupe des Vendanges', François-Désiré Froment-Meurice, Paris circa 1844

the trefoil base decorated with cloisonné enamel and applied with three figures representing poetic, amorous and gross drunkeness, the stem and handle formed as a vine branch hung with pearl-grapes and green enamel leaves, enclosed in a bird's nest approached by a salamander; winged putti playfully climb towards a reclining figure of a partly draped woman representing Reason in drink-induced sleep; all mounted on an octagonal lapis lazuli base with silver-gilt borders raised on four silver monster feet, apparently no maker's mark or signature.

Couturier et Nicolay, Paris

Acquired from the above, 1988

L'Exposition des Produits de L'Industrie de 1844
Musée de la Vie Romantique, Tresors D'Argent, Les Froment-Meurice, Orfèvres Romantiques Parisiens, 2003

The figures were created by Geoffrey-Dechaume and were chased by Antoine Vechte and Mulleret.  Froment-Meurice did a number of versions of this cup, the first example being supplied to the Duc d'Orleans, another supplied to the author Balzac.