Baccarat - crystal glass art since 1764
Baccarat – The Crystal Legend
A name that illuminates the world. Baccarat is one of the most renowned crystal glass manufacturers in the world. In 1764, a group of visionary artisans laid its foundation stone and began to work their alchemy. In the elemental force of fire, they manipulated the earth to create crystal so pure and clear that it has since been illuminating the most breathtaking places in the world. The name of a small town in the east of France became the embodiment of the French art of living. Immerse yourself in the light of the world of Baccarat.
A Passion for Excellence and Ingenuity
From the world exhibitions of the 19th century to the greatest art events of the present day. In the pursuit of the exceptional, Baccarat has created a rich heritage of timeless collections, precious one-of-a-kind pieces and monumental masterpieces.
This expertise is – quite literally – in the DNA of the Maison. Many of the artisan families have been working for Baccarat for generations. Using the same skills and sometimes even tools, they produce in part the same pieces as their fathers and grandfathers. A love of craftsmanship that is palpable. Brilliant, substantial, enchanting – Baccarat crystal glass ignites pure joy of fine living.
The Art of Crystal
Crystal glass is glass imbued with unique properties by the addition of valuable metal oxides. Compared to ordinary glass, crystal glass is exceptionally malleable, polishable, clear and heavy. As a pioneer in its art, the House of Baccarat developed special recipes centuries ago that make Baccarat crystal unique in the world.
The trademark of Baccarat is red crystal glass. To produce it, pure gold is added to the base ingredients. At precisely controlled temperatures, the glass changes colour as if by magic. Baccarat was one of the very first manufacturers to master and perfect this alchemy. The special ruby red colour of Baccarat crystal is still known today as Baccarat red, an inimitable masterpiece from the largest crystal house in France.
Hundreds of artisans with around fifty different skills work hand in hand to produce the exceptional Baccarat crystal. Many of them are among the best craftsmen in France, who are honoured every four years at the state competition of the "Meilleurs Ouvriers de France". The fire of these people's irreplaceable expertise burns in every Baccarat glass. A fire that they pass on to the next generation in the company's internal school.
Baccarat's unique know-how also captivates internationally renowned artists and designers. The house invites them to meet and exchange ideas to push the boundaries of art around crystal glass. Discover the signature of great artists such as Ettore Sottsass, Philippe Starck, Kenzo Takada, Marcel Wanders, Thomas Bastide and Mathias in the Baccarat catalogue.
From Harcourt to Zénith – Baccarat Crystal Creations
A brilliant invitation to celebrate life. The Maison Baccarat is renowned for its crystal glassware, vases and decorative accessories that add a warm glow to any interior. Whether historic traditional designs or exciting new creations, discover the striking style of the Baccarat glassware collections.
No other design is as famous as the legendary Harcourt 1841 glasses. Designed for Napoleon III, the Harcourt wine glass is the oldest design in the Baccarat archive. The Harcourt collection still crowns exceptional moments all over the world today as a hero of everlasting modernity.
Simple geometry in perfect symmetry. The Octogone vases are a magnified version of the octagonal ornaments that traditionally adorn Baccarat's chandeliers. The round Louxor vases, on the other hand, find their inspiration in ancient Egypt. Covered with pyramid cuts, the crystal glass vases create a mirage of infinite reflections like kaleidoscopes.
The Harmonie glasses are wonderfully vintage yet undeniably modern. Long, parallel cuts further heighten the glasses slender silhouettes. Whether highball glasses for long drinks, tumblers for spirits or decanters for your favourite whiskey, the Harmonie collection lends any bar an elegant and sophisticated allure.
