Exhibit Antiques has dated this piece to the Georgian era.
1820–1830.
It has a graceful tapering form with broad shoulders rising to a slender neck and retains its original target-form stopper. The decanter is beautifully decorated in opaque white enamel with delicate floral garlands, suspended gilt festoons and scattered gilt stars, a decorative style that became synonymous with the finest Bohemian glass of the early 19th century. The original stopper is similarly embellished with white enamel and gilding. The base has a polished pontil.
An exceptionally decorative example retaining its original cut, enamelled and gilded stopper.
Date & Origin
Haida (Nový Bor), Bohemia, c.1820–1830. Period of Emperor Francis I.
Condition
Excellent. No chips, cracks or restoration. There is minor wear to the gilding in general, around the edge of the stopper and light wear to the gilding around the inner rim of the decanter, entirely consistent with careful use over almost 200 years.
Dimensions
Height: 28.5 cm
Diameter: 9.8 cm
Documented Examples
Passau Glass Museum: Ref. PGM 53 439.
The Decanter – Ancient to Modern by Andy McConnell, p.173, Plate 5.
Historical Context
During the early 19th century, Haida (now Nový Bor) was one of the principal centres of the Bohemian glass industry. Rather than being a single factory, it comprised a large network of independent glasshouses, enamellers, engravers and decorators whose combined skills produced some of Europe's finest luxury glass.
Rich cobalt blue glass decorated with opaque white enamel became one of the region's most recognisable styles. Inspired by contemporary porcelain decoration, these elegant floral garlands and star motifs were entirely hand painted before being permanently fired into the glass. Such pieces were exported throughout Europe and Britain, where they were highly prized for both their vibrant colour and refined decoration.
Today, original early 19th-century Bohemian enamelled decanters retaining their matching stoppers are increasingly sought after by collectors, particularly examples in deep cobalt blue with finely executed enamel decoration.
Exhibit Antiques has dated this piece to the Georgian era.
Specialists in 18th & 19th century antique glass
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Exhibit Antiques Profile Page
19th Century Enamelled Bohemian Blue Glass Taper Decanter C1820-30
