Presented is a stunning, hand-blown cased-glass pitcher made in Bohemia (Czech Republic) sometime in the 1850's through the 1880's. This gorgeous antique ewer, which is in wonderful condition, is a statement in bold contrasts and elegant artistry. We believe, in fact, that this piece has been in a museum display, based on the numbers written in red enamel on its undersides. The pitcher is crafted from two layers of blown glass, opaque white over translucent cobalt blue, with the white glass cut or etched away to create long petal shapes, subsequently gilded with intricately-detailed tree forms, flowing coral-like designs and rim borders.
There are no maker's marks on the pitcher, just an identifying number written at the bottom in red.
The condition of the piece is excellent! There are absolutely no chips, cracks or irregularities anywhere and the pitcher handle is firm and whole. There is just a small amount of gilt loss from careful handling through the decades, most evident along the pitcher's top rim and mid-handle.
Dimensions: Pitcher - 10 1/8 inches tall by 5 inches diameter at the mouth, 6 inches at widest point with handle.
The capacity is about 5 cups, or 40 fluid ounces/1.18 liters. tm
