Posted 11 years ago
bohemiangl…
(641 items)
I have had this terrific piece for several years, and didn't know too much about it, other than that it was most likely Harrach, as a similar example was shown in Collectible Bohemian Glass, 1880-1940, by Robert & Deborah Truitt. Similar type bronzed glass was produced by Thomas Webb around the same time, and the debate over who did what first is for another time. Thanks to further research and a new book on Harrach glass, there is more to be told:
Form: ca. 1878, prod. no. unknown, dec. no. unknown
h. 19.0 cm (7.5 inches)
Dark purple glass, mold-blown, iridescence with metallic sheen, delicately crackled. Decoration painted in white, ochre, and turquoise green matte enamels - bands formed of geometric motifs, zigzag and arched lines, and dots.
This type of bronzed glass emulated Asian (most commonly Chinese) bronze vessels. Iridescent glass of this type was produced specifically for the London-based Blumberg Company, as documented by the drawings in the Harrach archives (AH 17)
Source: From Neuwelt to the Whole World/300 Years of Harrach Glass, edited by Jan Mergl, p. 259, plate 293
Really very rare... it is amazing the great diversity of Harrach motives