Cristal Benito "Marie Antoinette" Hand Cut Crystal & Gilt Bronze Cobalt Star Bonbonniere - This stunning piece is a hand cut, crystal bonbonniere made in France by Cristal Benito. The piece is expertly cut with Benito's classic 32 point star design, and has a cobalt blue crystal over glaze and ornate, gilt bronze base and finial. The dish has a removable crystal insert, and is signed by the maker. The piece also has the original "Cristal Taille Main C.F. France" sticker, which states that the piece was made in France by hand. These spectacular pieces are completely handmade from start to finish, by some of the best glass blowers, crystal cutters, and bronze smiths in the world. First a wooden mold is made, around which the desired shape is blown by mouth, in crystal with a lead content varying between 24 and 30%. For colored pieces such as this one, the initial form is blown in white crystal, and is covered while hot in a thin, extra layer of crystal that has been colored with pigment. The piece is then traced with the main lines of the design of the piece onto the uncut form, and is then milled by hand to cut out the rough design. The cutting is then refined, and the patterns channeled out more and more deeply to bring forth the most brilliant sheen with increasingly fine polishing wheels. Once the cut is finished, the piece is then polished, and mounted with the feet, handles and other elements designed by Franck Benito and made by bronze smiths to achieve the finished article. This piece is a magnificent work of art, made with the highest quality materials. The dish measures approx. 15"H x 10" in diameter, and is in excellent condition.