Crystal and ormolu centerpieces. Tableware to live up to instead of the other way around. On the other hand, should the empress come to dinner you’ll be all set.

Crystal and cast ormolu epergne with a sphinx supporting each corner, reflecting the fascination with things Ancient Egyptian brought about by the Napoleonic campaigns there. Scrolling foliate arms that raise four antique cranberry glass dishes. 1805. Regency. Made in England. Crafted after a design by architect Charles Heathcote Tatham with a motif originally created in 1801 for Tatham’s major patron, the 5th Earl of Carlisle with the design for the base used as an illustration in “Design for Ornamental Plate” with the captioning “A Piece of Plate designed and executed in Silver for the Earl of Carlisle in the year 1801.” Maker not known. Image via © 1stdibs.com, Inc. 2021. Fair use license. via https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/dining-entertaining/centerpieces/regency-crystal-ormolu-epergne/id-f_22325322/
French Empire epergne with ormolu and green crystal cut glass. Mid 19th c. French. Maker not known. Image © Canonbury Antiques – Redwell Hill Farm. Fair use license. via https://canonburyantiques.com/p/French-Glass-Epergne-Dish—Ormolu-Louis-XV-Crystal-1567586936/
Ormolu mounted floral epergne. Raised leopard paw feet supporting the main ring. Flat diamond cut glass posy vases with scalloped rims, the center supporting a larger vase cut in the same manner. 1870-1879. British. F & C Osler, maker. Maker’s marks: metalwork stamped “OSLER”. Image via © 1stdibs.com, Inc. Fair use license. via https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/decorative-objects/vases-vessels/planters-cachepots-jardinieres/ormolu-mounted-flower-epergne-fc-osler/id-f_12986841/?gclid=CjwKCAiA65iBBhB-EiwAW253WzGNPIarxD9Lg3Gwv_WEc0EfdSItH9azPEy46CkEpAVW

Ormolu and cut crystal four-piece table garniture, comprising two centerpieces and a pair of candle holders. Each centerpiece surmounted by a figure of Minerva, flanked by a pair of female busts and central Apollo mask, above two pheasants flaked to each side with a circular dish raised on lion monopodia. The candle-holders being en sute. 1875-1900. Made in Paris, France. Baccarat, maker. Maker’s marks: stamped with a Baccarat cachet under the removable crystal dishes. Image © Christie’s 2021. Fair use license. via https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5937639