Posted 9 years ago
Michelleb007
(256 items)
This enameled pink opaline glass vase or bowl is another example of the work of the Compagnie des Verreries et Cristalleries de Baccarat, in the Japonisme style that was very popular in Europe from about 1870-1900. The vase dates to about 1880, measures 3.75" tall x 5.5" in diameter, and is unsigned. In the course of my research into this vase, I came across a museum acquisition listing at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia. They have a pair of pink Baccarat vases in the same decor, both signed 'Baccarat' to the lower left of the vase (see image 4). They are also numbered on the bottom in red, a color that Baccarat often used when numbering vases. My example has a red '2' on the base, as you can see in image 3.
The museum notes that the vases are "decorated in the "Aesthetic-Japanese" taste with enameled overlapping oval medallions. One vase has a pair of robins on a white blossoming (prunus-like) branch which extends over the pink and other medallion a faint gray-green Oriental landscape scene." (You can see the entire description here: http://collection.chrysler.org/emuseum/view/objects/asitem/People$00407876/21/title-asc?t:state:flow=bb11ec9d-9527-4dc0-b915-eb00f83e1d55)
Interestingly, it also notes how similar these vases are to a decor used by the Smith Bros. in the United States during the same time period. In researching Smith Bros. vases in this style, I have noted that the vases were often not very large, and were often designed for metal mounts, so the shapes included cylindrical 'ring' vases, and tear drop-shaped vases, also with molded rings to support the vase in the mount.
I think you have the lovelier of the two, Michelle. Perhaps because the medallions are so pleasingly placed on the vase.....but also I like the more muted tones of the birds.
Thank you, Peggy. I do like the more muted colors, too. I am so pleased about finally being able to share these vases; I was really unsure about them for quite a while! :)
Pretty pink ! oo la la !
Mais, oui! Thank you, Marty! :)
Very beautiful!!!... :-)
I also like more yours and never saw one here in Córdoba
What a gorgeous little vase Michelle! It must be thrilling to know an example your piece is displayed in a museum!
inky, thank you - I am so glad you like it! :)
kivatinitz, thanks so much!
Hi Rick, thank you! I was really pleased to find an example there, for sure! :)
Hi Lisa, I have seen that listing, thanks. What a lovely pair, aren't they? And actually, I'd bet money that the vases used in those lamps are actually also Baccarat, and are glass, not porcelain. They are the exact shape of my other vases posted here on CW, as well. I have come across this quite a few times before, even with some Harrach vases that I own. Sellers who are not very familiar with enameled opaline (or 'milk glass') will describe these vases as being porcelain - it has been very beneficial to me as a buyer! ;) I am sure the decor has been used on other mediums, though - it seems to be a very popular motif of the time. Thanks!
Interestingly, I just checked the original seller's listing for my large brown example of this vase - here it is: "The vase is porcelain, with the "ping" of fine porcelain or china" - a perfect example of what I mean - it is definitely glass! :)
My pleasure!