VICTORIAN GLOBE DE MARIEE BRIDAL DOME
French, 18th century, brass. The tufted velvet tiara cushion framed in ormolu, a hummingbird with wreath at the crest of the mirror, and three small, beveled mirrors below (representing the number of children the married couple aspired to have together, in this case three); housed within the glass cloche dome.

The tradition of globe de Mariée display pieces began in France in the 1800’s and was intended for the preservation of a couple's wedding souvenirs as well as to tell the story of their wedding and life together. Placed prominently in the formal dining room, it held the Bride’s crown or Bridal tiara made from fresh or wax orange blossoms, at times her wax floral bouquet. The bride and groom chose items for their personalized display such as mirrors, porcelain pieces and ormolu cut outs. Each had a special and very personal meaning to them; it was a symbol that told the story of the bridal couple.
20 1/2 in. (52.1 cm.)