*Reserved* XL French Champlevé Holy Water Font

French Champleve Holy Water Font, Circa 19th century 

• Object: Antique French Benitier
• Period: 19th century, circa 1860-1890 (Napleon III/Second Empire) 
• Origin: France (sourced at Paris market) 
• Materials: Champleve (enamel paint), marble or onyx, and brass 
• Dimensions: 14.5" by 7.5"
• Condition: Very good, flea bites to the back (no seen from front) 

The benitier was an essential devotional object in the French Catholic household of the 19th century, placed in the entrance of a home or beside a bed, and pieces of this quality were comissioned by and for households of considerable means. Beautiful turquoise, cobalt blue, gold, white, pink, green - floral lily and foliate motifs throughout; central cross medallion. The font has a scallop-shaped holy water cup in matching enamel colors as the cross.