Persian Flask Bottle with Iridescent Luster

Exotic Precious Liquid Serving Bottle

This beautiful aurene style bottle was used to serve rose water, a standard condiment on Middle-Eastern tables. It is often referred to as a “Persian Flask”. Hand blown and hand decorated with pontil mark on base. It is made of cobalt blue glass and decorated with “fumed” iridescent minerals on the exterior. The finish shimmers in the light and undulates with metalic magenta, blue, green and gold. The applied ribbon trail is decorative and useful. The raised and twirled ropes allow for a better hand grip on the neck of the bottle. The server pours the liquid out of this large bottle by holding the bulbous base in the palm of one hand and the neck in the grip of the other hand. The tip at the top of the bottle directs the liquid, and inside the bottle is a string of applied glass coming from the base which also directs the liquid and has the effect of slowing the flow.

Rose water bottles date back to ancient days. This is not an ancient bottle, but it is probably from the early 1900s. The fumed luster decor was popular and in regular use during the “Art Nouveau” era. May have been made by American maker “Imperial Glass”. This bottle is in very good condition. There are no chips, cracks, no water damage. There is some wear to the finish on an area of the base where it must have rubbed against other tableware. It is much more noticeable in the image than it is under normal lighting. On the neck, where the hand would grip, the finish is smoother, but not worn. It has been used, and cared for.

This substantial sized bottle stands 14.5″ tall and weighs 2.5 lbs.