Exhibit Antiques has dated this Art Nouveau Glass Biscuit Barrel to the Victorian era.
It has a beautifully rounded body in a rich burnt amber colour, decorated with striking applied emerald-green Peacock Eye motifs. Each eye has a raised central pupil surrounded by concentric rings of green glass, from which elongated trails flow organically down the body, continuing underneath the glass towards the polished pontil.
The contrast between the warm amber and vibrant emerald-green is particularly striking...and a rare colour combination, very much in keeping with the emerging Art Nouveau style of the late 19th century.
It retains its original silver-plated collar, swing handle and removable lid with a spherical finial. The fittings are marked D & A for Daniel & Arter of Birmingham, together with their globe trademark, E.P.N.S. and pattern number H7046 ¼.
Date & Origin
England, c1890-1905. Period of Queen Victoria.
Condition
The glass is in superb condition with no chips cracks or restoration and is clean and clear internally.
There is a little surface wear around the spherical finial of the silver-plated lid, consistent with more than a century of handling when lifting and replacing the cover. This is simply a natural patina acquired through use.
Dimensions
Height: 15cm
Diameter: 14cm
Weight:801 grams
Historical Context
During the closing decades of the 19th century, the glassmakers of Stourbridge were producing some of the most imaginative decorative glass of the Victorian period.
The emerging Art Nouveau movement, which developed towards the end of the 19th century, placed particular emphasis on flowing lines, organic forms and designs inspired by nature. Rather than relying on rigid symmetry and traditional ornament, glassmakers increasingly explored decoration that appeared to grow and flow naturally across the surface of an object.
Stuart & Sons were among the Stourbridge glassmakers associated with applied glass decoration, including Peacock Eye motifs and elaborate trailing. These techniques required considerable skill, with contrasting coloured glass being applied and manipulated while still hot, to create intricate designs.
This biscuit barrel is an amazing example of that artistic approach....both highly unusual and very distinctly Art Nouveau in character.
Exhibit Antiques has dated this Art Nouveau Glass Biscuit Barrel to the Victorian era.
Specialists in 18th & 19th century antique glass
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Exhibit Antiques Profile Page
A Rare Victorian Burnt Amber and Green Peacock Eye Art Nouveau Glass Biscuit Barrel, Attributed to Stuart & Sons C1890-1905
