The mid-19th century saw a revival of the Rococo style, originating in France during the reign of Louis XV (1723-1774). It was one of many decorative and artistic styles from the Ancien Régime which inspired makers and artists of the period and became popular with consumers.
The influence of the movement is visible in this silver tea and coffee service, characterised by bulbous forms and scrolling rocaille features that evoke landscape and seascapes, as well as the naturalistic floral compositions around the finials and feet. It bears the mark of Antoine Cosson and was retailed by the Cosson Corby firm. The accompanying canteen case bears an inscription on the lockplate which reads: ‘Médaille de 1ere Classe / COSSON – CORBY Fab. d’Orfèvrerie / 13 Place du Pont Neuf à Paris / à l’Exposition Univ de 1855′, indicating that Cosson Corby won a first class medal at the Paris Universal Exposition of 1955.
