Antique French Glass Beaded Memorial Wreath Rare Mourning Victorian Immortelle

Age

1900-1940

Original Or Reproduction

Antique original

Lovely, rare antique French immortelle Intricate, ornate glass beaded floral funeral wreath Leaves and flowers painstakingly crafted by hand with wire, thread, and countless tiny glass beads c. 1900 Very difficult to photograph—the photos don’t do it justice! In French, immortelle translates to immortal, eternal, or everlasting These mourning wreaths (Couronnes de Mortuaire), popular in Europe during the late 1800s and early 1900s, were used as memorials for loved ones who had passed away The beads that form the leaves, flowers, and scrolled petal motifs around the border are white, cream, amber, and various shades of lavender, with touches of yellow, green, and purple. The beads vary from opalescent, translucent, opaque to variegated colors Larger black beads form a hollow, latticed wreath over an oval base of black paper-wrapped wire The branches are made of wire spiral wrapped with tan thread Approximate measurements: 31” long x 25” wide x 7” deep The wires that form the flowers, leaves and stems are flexible and can be rearranged to your liking Has been gently cleaned and is dust and odor free Sourced from France Unused, was uncovered in storage of an old shop Very good condition for its age A few smaller beads around the very edge can come off if handled roughly, but the rest of the wreath is stable and in excellent condition If treated with care, it should remain in good condition for many more decades Some areas of the black beaded base are not symmetrical—it may be possible to carefully reshape these wires if desired A beautiful and very rare example of a bygone French artistry that would be stunning centerpiece for a wall display—perfect for vintage and antique French decor, brocante and shabby chic aesthetics, or memento mori collectors.