A gold mounted agate two-handles cup and saucer
1726
This elegant two handled cup and saucer exemplifies early 18th century French decorative craftsmanship, combining pale golden agate with gilt bronze mounts. The agate bowl features natural veining and translucent honey toned markings that appear to float across its cream colored surface, while the scrolled handles and shaped saucer demonstrate refined metalwork with delicate proportions. The composition balances the organic irregularities of the hardstone with the geometric precision of the gold mounts, creating a sophisticated object that celebrates both natural material and artisanal technique.
- Medium
- Gold and agate
- Dimensions
- Location
- David Zwirner 69th Street, New York, NY
Notes
From the exhibition 'Set in Stone' at David Zwirner 69th Street, NYC, May 12 to June 26, 2026, in collaboration with Galerie Kugel, Paris. Tombstone date: Paris, c. 1726-1732.
For Sale
Artists in conversation
Johann Melchior Dinglinger
German · b. 1664
Dinglinger was the preeminent goldsmith of the early 18th century who combined precious hardstones with elaborate gilt mounts to create luxury tableware and ceremonial objects of comparable refinement, balancing the organic beauty of agate and jasper with the geometric precision of gold settings.
James Cox
British · b. 1723
Cox specialized in luxury decorative objects that paired translucent hardstones with richly worked gilt metal mounts, producing cups, vessels and tableware that share the same vocabulary of precious materials, scrolled handles and refined proportions seen in this agate cup and saucer.
Pierre Gouthière
French · b. 1732
Gouthière was the foremost French maître ciseleur doreur of the 18th century, renowned for creating exquisite gilt bronze mounts for hardstone vessels and luxury tableware that display the same delicate scrollwork, refined proportions and harmonious pairing of organic stone with geometric gold that defines this agate cup.
Start the Discussion
Request access to join the discussion