Pair of Trompe-l'Œil Silver-Plated Bottle Holders, in the Style of Maria Pergay, 1970s.

This pair of bottle holders (or wine presenters) illustrates a playful and highly sophisticated approach to tableware in the second half of the 20th century. The architecture of the object relies on remarkable "trompe-l'œil" metalwork. A thick silver-plated metal wire, rigorously twisted to imitate the texture of a rope, unfurls in space to form the receptacle for the bottle. The upper loop secures the neck, the rear curve supports the body, while the two front ends, finely chased to represent passementerie tassels, act as stabilizing feet. The bottle is thus held at an optimal presentation and decanting angle.

The aesthetic of these pieces—taking a flexible element (rope) and freezing it in a rigid, precious material (silver-plated metal)—stylistically links them to the work of Maria Pergay. A major figure in post-war French design, Maria Pergay first distinguished herself in the 1950s and 1960s by creating silverwork objects (often produced by or in collaboration with major houses). Her dreamlike vocabulary, favoring ceremonial motifs (bows, belts, buckles, ropes), profoundly influenced high-end decoration of the era.

These two presenters are in good overall condition. The silver-plated metal displays an even patina of use and slight traces of oxidation in the recesses of the twist, accentuating the relief of the pattern. These sophisticated tableware accessories will bring a sculptural and theatrical dimension to wine service, fitting perfectly into a classic or modernist dining room.