Pair Victorian Cranberry Glass Thorn Mantel Vases Clear Rigaree c1890

Pair Victorian Cranberry Glass Thorn Mantel Vases Clear Rigaree c1890

A striking and unusual matched pair of late Victorian cranberry and clear glass thorn mantel vases, dating to circa 1880–1900.

Each vase has a rich cranberry-red glass body with a gently flared rim and rounded lower section, surrounded by an elaborate hand-applied clear glass rigaree trail.

The cranberry bodies are raised on particularly decorative clear glass stems, individually drawn and manipulated into scrolling, almost branch-like forms with small applied thorn-like projections. Each terminates in a broad circular clear glass foot with attractive radiating tooled decoration.

This elaborate organic treatment belongs to the late Victorian tradition generally described as thorn or rustic glass, in which applied and drawn glass was worked into highly decorative naturalistic forms. Comparable cranberry and clear thorn glass was produced in both Britain and Continental Europe, particularly Bohemia, during the later 19th century. The precise maker of this pair has not been identified.

The two pieces have clearly been made as a decorative pair, although their hand-worked manufacture has resulted in subtle differences in the formation of the stems, applied trails and feet. These individual variations are an attractive feature of the traditional glassmaking process.

At approximately 17.5 cm (6⅞ inches) high, they have excellent decorative presence and would have been particularly effective displayed together on a mantelpiece, overmantel, sideboard or within a cabinet.

An attractive and relatively unusual pair of late Victorian cranberry glass, combining strong colour with elaborate clear applied decoration.

Date: Circa 1880–1900
Height: Approximately 17.5 cm (6⅞ inches) each
Material: Cranberry and clear glass
Maker: Unidentified
Quantity: Matched pair

The pair present very well, retaining a strong cranberry colour and their extensive clear applied decoration. The cranberry bodies, rims, elaborate clear stems and circular feet appear well preserved. The delicate applied clear glass rigaree also presents particularly well. There are slight differences in shape and formation between the two pieces, together with small bubbles and irregularities associated with their handmade manufacture. Some light surface wear may be present consistent with age and display. Please study the photographs, which form an important part of the description and show the condition, handmade construction and delicate applied decoration in detail