19th-century French holy water font in green onyx and champlevé enamel

This decorative French wall-mounted holy water font (bénitier) dates from the late 19th century. The cross-shaped plaque is made of light green onyx and set with an ornate gilt cross in richly coloured champlevé enamel: stylised floral and leaf motifs in cobalt blue, turquoise, red and ivory around an IHS christogram. Below the cross is the original basin with lid for the holy water, also in polychrome enamel with a small hanging knob; the white-enamelled interior is present. On the back is a metal plate with a hanging loop. The combination of green onyx, gilt metal and colourful enamel is characteristic of French religious objects from the Napoleon III period – a beautiful piece of antique ecclesiastical art. A little jewel on the wall in a classic, French or eclectic interior, or as a special accent in a sober space. Dimensions: height 25 cm, width 15 cm, depth 7 cm. Material: green onyx, gilt metal, champlevé enamel. Style: Napoleon III. Period: late 19th century. Origin: France. Condition: good, with light signs of age.