When artist Guy Buffet created his wonderful lithograph "Le Sommelier," the praise and purchases were immediate. Everyone loved the delightful little Frenchman who seemed to remind us of romantic Parisian restaurants. Buffet collectors in particular said, "Guy, you should do a sculpture of the charming fellow. Who could resist him!"

And so the little wine steward, whose name is "Gaston," is finally a sculpture in fact. Buffet recently retuned from France where the bronzes were cast.

Each of Buffet’s sculptures were cast by La Monnaire de Paris -- the Paris Mint – marking the first time that this official government house has agreed to extend its services to such an artistic project. The celebrated French champagne company, Perrier Jouet, has already reserved 25 of these figures for use as annual awards to the real sommeliers who are named "best in the world."

"Gaston" stands 16 inches high on a 5.5 inch square base. Each will be signed and titled on the inside edge of the apron. The edition number and seal of the Paris Mint will appear on the front of the base.