Epergne

Silver epergne, London, 1761
Flowers in a Glass Epergne by Eloise Harriet Stannard, 1889

An epergne (/ɪˈpɜːrn, eɪ-/ ih-PURN, ay-) is a type of table centerpiece that is usually made of silver but may be made of any metal or glass or porcelain.

An epergne generally has a large central "bowl" or basket sitting on three to five feet. From this center "bowl" radiate branches supporting small baskets, dishes, or candleholders.[1] There may be between two and seven branches. Epergnes were traditionally made from silver, however from around the start of the 20th century, glass was also employed.

  1. ^ Bryson, Bill (2010). At Home: A Short History of Private Life. London: Doubleday. p. 163. ISBN 978-0-7679-1938-8.