Glass / Bronze / 22 carats Gold Unique Piece The Pépite Mirror is the result of an experimental collaboration between Manon Fernandez and Gauthier Dietschi, founders of Nosqua, and Marion Saussier of Maison Alivon, the last remaining manufacturer of bronze type. Using bronze shavings recovered from Maison Alivon’s foundry, Nosqua undertook a series of extensive tests to explore how residual metal could interact with molten glass. Bronze fragments of different shapes and thicknesses were placed within and on the surface of the glass, producing a wide range of unexpected effects—from warm brown and golden tones to a remarkable deep blue. Developing this coloration required a highly precise and delicate process. Too little bronze would result in only a subtle tint, while too much could compromise the structural integrity of the glass. Because glass and metal expand at different rates when heated, the material is placed under significant stress as it cools. The glass can adhere to several pieces of bronze, but as each element contracts at a different pace, internal tension may cause the piece to crack. After numerous experiments, the designers succeeded in reproducing the most striking result: an intense gradient of deep blue, created as the bronze migrated into the glass. Both surprising and visually powerful, this effect gives the Pépite Mirror its singular character and reflects the exceptional craftsmanship and technical innovation behind each piece.
