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Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass => Topic started by: alexander on October 29, 2006, 11:49:36 PM

Title: Interesting old decanter with swan inside
Post by: alexander on October 29, 2006, 11:49:36 PM

Hi, I found this really cool looking decanter today at an antique/collector item type fair,
the swan inside is incredible!

Could anybody point me in the right direction as far as who made this?

I'm thinking early Venice due to the style and light weight/delicate make?

It's one piece, ie the decanter was blown around the swan
from what I could tell, the swan is hollow and filled with fine white sand!

The color is light amber, with a rainbowish tint when viewed at an angle.

The thing is light as a feather, very thin glass, the wings are dark blue.
The stopper is completely hollow.

When I saw it today I knew I had to get it, but since I had no idea about who made
it or what it's really worth I was a bit apprehensive and bargained hard
- I may have made a very good deal or overpaid a tad  :wink:  

Wifey thinks I'm mad.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Alexander


http://www.wilhelmsen.no/glass/swan_decanter.jpg

converted to link: image too large

Title: Interesting old decanter with swan inside
Post by: Max on October 30, 2006, 06:58:54 AM

I haven't seen one like this before, although it reminds me of the Bimini decanters with the nude lady inside them.  I'm looking into something along these lines at the moment and considering whether Lauscha ever made this type of decanter...only a thought though.

PS: I think it's unusual and I've have bought it too.  :D

Title: Interesting old decanter with swan inside
Post by: horochar on October 31, 2006, 02:11:50 AM

I have nothing intelligent to say about who made it, when or why, but I think it's extraordinary as an example of a functional object (decanter) that it's inconceivable would ever be used in a functional capacity.  Italians never embraced the form follows function dogma.  I think that's why most of us are drawn to this area of collecting.

Title: Interesting old decanter with swan inside
Post by: alexander on November 01, 2006, 12:56:41 AM

Moderator - can you move this to the Glass board please, I'm thinking it may be better suited there than on the Murano board.

Thanks

Title: Interesting old decanter with swan inside
Post by: svazzo on November 01, 2006, 01:10:12 AM

Hi Alexander,
Just moved the topic.
Javier

Title: Interesting old decanter with swan inside
Post by: alexander on November 01, 2006, 02:43:19 PM

Thanks, really need help with this one, I've ruled out Bimini.

I'm still thinking it's Venetian but i could be mistaken,
did the bohemian or french makers make glass like this?

It's not crystal, the sand in the swan could have been added as an afterthought, altho it's hard to tell.

Will add newer and better images later on.

Title: Interesting old decanter with swan inside
Post by: Sue C on November 01, 2006, 04:07:31 PM

hi alexander, this is driving me potty now, what size is it ?, i know i have seen some thing like this before, i have been through most of my referance books of which i have many, and will add a few more from the GMB authors, i still think it is Venetian, but will keep looking. sue

Title: Interesting old decanter with swan inside
Post by: alexander on November 01, 2006, 05:38:25 PM

Hi, it measures 29 cm tall and 12 cm wide (approx 11" by 5")

I have added several new images :

Full view (http://www.wilhelmsen.no/glass/unknown.swan.decanter01.JPG)
Swan closeup (http://www.wilhelmsen.no/glass/unknown.swan.decanter02.JPG)
Base 1 (http://www.wilhelmsen.no/glass/unknown.swan.decanter03.JPG)
Base 2 (http://www.wilhelmsen.no/glass/unknown.swan.decanter04.JPG)
Underneath (http://www.wilhelmsen.no/glass/unknown.swan.decanter05.JPG)

The Bimini decanters with nude ladies inside look somewhat familiar but
the ladies are solid glass figurines. Picture 3 shows how the swan was
 blown and then the rest of the decanter fused on and somehow blown around it?

As you can see from pic 1 i haven't even taken off the tape holding the
stopper on, it came that way and I've resolved not to clean it or do
anything until I know if it's ancient or just vintage.

It seems I've developed a knack for finding mystery objects  :wink:

Thanks for your help  :D