What were epergnes used for?

These centrepieces sat in the middle of dining tables during formal meals to hold fruit, sweetmeats, or cut flowers. Guests admired the colourful arrangement while conversing across the table, making the piece both a decorative ornament and a functional serving stand.

How do I clean an epergne?

Wash delicate glass components gently in lukewarm water using mild soap, avoiding harsh abrasives that might scratch the surface or damage applied trails. Metal bases require dusting with a soft cloth and specific care depending on whether they are silver plated, brass, or gilt bronze.

What is vaseline glass?

Vaseline glass is a transparent, yellow-green glass that gains its distinct translucent colour from uranium oxide content. It appears frequently in nineteenth-century table ornaments and glows a vivid green when exposed to ultraviolet light.

How can I tell a Victorian epergne from a later copy?

Examine the glass components for the pontil mark left by the snapping-off iron during hand blowing, alongside natural irregularities in thickness and colour. Nineteenth-century examples also show appropriate wear to the underside of metal bases and hand-finished details on the mounts.

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Victorian Epergne Vase

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A victorian epergne vase stands as a dramatic table centrepiece, offering a dramatic rise of coloured glass trumpets held in metal or carved wood frames.