Antique Crystal Decanter Bottle with Gold Decorations by Ludwig Moser, 1890s

Details

Description

Description of the item:
Stunning bottle with crystal stopper, entirely hand-crafted and decorated by hand with gold and enamel, unsigned … Read more Description of the item:
Stunning bottle with crystal stopper, entirely hand-crafted and decorated by hand with gold and enamel, unsigned and attributed to Ludwig Moser. The item dates back to the first half of the 20th century. The grinding mark from the pier under the base is clearly visible, i.e., the iron to which the object is attached in order to insert it into and remove it from the oven during the various stages of its production, which indicates that we are definitely dealing with a hand-crafted object. As evidence of our attribution, our internet research shows that a small jardinière, very similar in decoration and style, also unsigned, has been attributed to Ludwig Moser. Although much smaller than our bottle and with many missing pieces of gold in the various decorations, the jardinière was auctioned for €180, excluding 25-30% fees.

Useful information for evaluating the item:
Our research also shows that Ludwig Moser has achieved various auction results with items sold at very high prices. Consider that his highest auction result for a small transparent crystal vase only 15 centimeters tall is €1,500, excluding auction fees of 25% to 30%. Meanwhile, a bottle very similar to ours in shape and size, called "Solaris Carafe 750ml," also unsigned and attributed to Ludwig Moser, is listed at over $2,000. This gives an idea of the value of similar items.

Information about the artist and/or manufacturer:
Ludwig Moser (1833–1916) was an Austrian glass artist. In 1857, he opened a glass workshop in Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic (then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire), where many independent artists worked. However, it was in 1892 that, after expanding and starting his own crystal production, he became a true manufacturer with 400 workers, the Karlsbaderglasindustrie Gesellschaft Ludwig Moser & Söhne. Its characteristics are the materials it chooses to work with and the types of processing, in a combination that sees the two parts as closely interdependent. Thus, with regard to the former, the choice, which is not accidental, falls on the typical Bohemian crystal, a calcium and potassium glass that is lighter and less refractive than lead crystal, but which can be easily carved and engraved, as well as offering better adhesion to gold decorations, a distinctive feature of Moser's entire production line, which manifests itself in a frieze engraved with a classic antique motif and then gilded, running all around the vase. Alongside this, another recurring decoration is a deeply engraved and carved floral motif on clear crystal, often finished with an additional application of colored crystal. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution See less