Antique Venetian hand blown glass pitcher jug and four flute goblets.
Exquisite antique Venetian mouth blown glass by a master of the craft. Estimated circa; early 1900’s. We have not identified it yet, but have many clues. We are certain this set is not of modern make. The shape and decor have a story to tell.
The set of four goblets and pitcher and appears to be from the late 19th to early 20th century Italy. The style and form were revived from ancient glass examples excavated during the Renaissance by great maestros of glass in the 1700 and 1800’s whose names and achievements still live on today.
The large antique Venetian pitcher and goblets were mouth blown in a slightly iridescent, very light airy green. The light green glass lights up neon green under black-light, indicating the presence of Manganese or Uranium.
The pitcher leans forward, as in ancient days. This feature assisted the hostess or servants while tipping the large pitcher for service. This pitcher should always be lifted in this manner to avoid damage to the handle.
The mottled plum base and stretch satin handle are hand-formed, each with a different decor style, and applied to the pitcher’s body. The inverted dome feet/bases are mottled clear and plum glass with folded up rims. Pontil scars located on inner domed feet are slightly rough. The goblet rims are folded up. The hand drawn and stretched handle is in mottled plum and clear glass with added decor of fumed iridescence. It’s as soft as velvet and shimmers and shines.
A tiny chunk of coal from the glass furnace is trapped within this vessel’s handle (see image). Coal from an old fashioned furnace trapped within the glass is a sure sign of age.
A double wafer knop is applied to base and vessel, joining the two. The large handle is applied. It hoops well above the body. This large jug is meant to be held with two hands. One hand on the handle, the other flat out on the opposite side on the body.
It is in wonderful shape with no cracks or chips or liquid damage. The pitcher is perfect. The goblets have very slight minimal scratching on the interior probably due to stir sticks.
Pitcher is 10″ tall, 6.5″ at widest with a widest girth of 19″. Pitcher’s foot is 5.25″ wide. The four flute goblets measure 6″ tall, mouth opening width of 3.75″ and foot width of 3.25″. Large tumblers – full-sized. Set includes one large pitcher and FOUR large fluted goblets. Sparkling clean.
The form, style and decor of this antique Venetian beverage set lead us to the path of Compagnia di Venezia e Murano and down the path to Pauly & C. You can read more via the links below.
According to Wikipedia:
Compagnia di Venezia e Murano began as Salviati &C. in London in 1866 under the direction of Vicenza attorney Antonio Salviati and with the backing of two British men: archaeologist Austen Henry Layard and antiquarian Sir William Drake. The company was dedicated to using ancient techniques and utilized master glassblowers in its efforts to do so. Read More…
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