Massena Pattern Stemware
Decorative Art, Glassware • Baccarat, France
Style & Movement
Contemporary Luxury / Post-Modern Classic
Medium & Technique
Hand-cut lead crystal using deep vertical bevel cuts and polished finishing
Creation Period
Modern (Pattern introduced in 1979)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 6 to 7 inches in height per glass; vertical portrait format
Subject Description
Functional luxury stemware featuring deep, tapered vertical mitre cuts radiating from the base of the bowl down through the stem, creating a silhouette reminiscent of a fluted column or an artichoke petal.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; no visible chips, clouding, or lead sickness in the crystal
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $225 USD per stem
Auction Estimate
$400 - $600 USD for a set of four
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a private estate collection or retail secondary market; Baccarat watermark typically present on the underside of the base.
Art Historical Significance
The Massena pattern is one of Baccarat's most iconic and commercially successful 20th-century designs, named after Andre Massena, a Marshal of France under Napoleon I. It represents the pinnacle of French crystal manufacturing techniques.
Notable Features
Distinctive weightiness of the lead crystal and the brilliant light refraction caused by the depth of the vertical bevel cuts.
Condition Issues
None visible; potential for light shelf wear on the bottom of the base
Conservation Recommendations
Hand wash only in lukewarm water with mild detergent; dry with a lint-free cloth to maintain clarity; avoid sudden temperature changes.