Posted 12 years ago
bohemiangl…
(641 items)
Found on eBay - interesting 1890s marked piece by Harrach in ruby glass encased in clear. Unusual in that there is no opaque inner layer as is often found on Harrach pieces from this time frame, and as such, is on the thin side and somewhat light in weight, as Harrach pieces go. Marked with what I call the Harrach "messy mark" - the feather plume mark within a circle that looks like the stamp bled out when it was applied. There are other versions of this mark with crisp, clean edges where the plume shape is well-defined, but I have other pieces with this type of mark also. Beautiful floral enamels and twisted rib design add interest.
Delightful! messy mark and all...
What great painting of the roses!
Al - it's about 7" tall.
I've heard some people snob Harrach as being "derivative," but I just don't see it that way. The enamel and silver overlay work on many of their pieces stand up to scrutiny and are masterful in their own way. This vase is no exception. Very pretty.
Those that would snob Harrach obviously do not know Harrach !
300 years of making all sorts of amazing glass .
PS. Yes I am a lover of Harrach.....
Marty makes an important point about the 300 year mark.
How many other glass houses can make that claim?
I understood Al's meaning completely - his emphasis and passion are for glass that is distinctively Czech, and much of Harrach production made for export does not fit that bill, because Harrach was expert at producing wares for the countries that ordered them better than the countries could produce for themselves - e.g. I would stack Harrach's Victorian glass up against ANY English maker. The question for the collector is - Is the Victorian style to your taste? For me, the answer is yes, when it's done well - and for others it's simply no - a personal preference. I remember speaking to Al at length about this - there is nothing snobbish about his position, and while I think our tastes differ in this regard, he understands my love for Harrach as a matter of overall glass appreciation - you have to hold it in your hand to get the full experience, vs. looking at pretty pictures in books. :)
Al, I wasn't even thinking about you when I made that comment. Awkward... ;)