Topic: Huge blue alabastro vase - French, 19th century?

[dirk.]

Hi,

I'm a bit undecided where to put this vase - both geographically and chronologically.
The amphora shaped body with two applied handles is made of blue alabastro glass.
The outside is acid-matted except for the gilded ornaments. It's seems these parts
have been covered before matting to prevent the gilding from looking matt, too.
'For the general shape I'“m leaning towards French, possibly second Empire ~1860.
It's ca. 43cm (17 ins) tall.

TIA
Dirk

[Ivo]

I agree.  I'd say it is a gilded amphora vase in blue opaline (or perhaps pāte de riz, depending on how grainy it is) in the Napoleon III style. And I'd be looking at quality makers: Saint Louis and Baccarat.

[dirk.]

  Thanks, Ivo. That exceeds my expectations! The glass should be blue opaline then as
it's not very grainy - more translucent than e.g. Schachtenbach, Novy Svet blue
alabastro.
Glad I took it with me, must have been a real snip despite of the chip to the foot. My arm
still hurts a bit though. As I always go by bike and this one wouldn't fit into my rucksack
I held it under my left arm for about 12km. Usually don't like that sentence, but "No pain,
no gain" seems to fit this time.
Does the acid-finish help to date this piece? I wonder since when this technique has been
used.

[Ivo]

From the very fist Opaline circa 1835 these came in satinated and untreated. Early pieces were normally mounted with ormolu trim, later ones imitated with gilding. 

[dirk.]

Again - thanks for your explanation. It's much appreciated!