Bohemian Crystal Bowl with Monuments of Rhineland Palatinate, 19th Century

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19th Century Bohemian Crystal Bowl Decorated with Monuments of the Rhineland Palatinate

This is a rare bowl, a product of … Read more 19th Century Bohemian Crystal Bowl Decorated with Monuments of the Rhineland Palatinate

This is a rare bowl, a product of German luxury craftsmanship from the second half of the 19th century! These engraved amber crystal souvenir bowls were very popular around 1850–1880, when the elite took the "Grand Tour" along the Rhine.

A true souvenir of European travel from yesteryear, this amber-yellow Bohemian crystal bowl is entirely handcrafted, made of blown crystal, molded with wheel-engraved decorations of small scenes from monuments of the Rhineland Palatinate region.

These Bohemian crystal objects were prized for their vibrant colors and symbolism. Intended to be decorative display objects, or even collector's items, rather than utilitarian tableware, this is a veritable little expedition trophy, in a 19th-century Europe where great discoveries and travel were central to the intentions of the elites of the time.

This cup and its wheel-engraved decorations are like a veritable photo album, commemorating each of the key stages of the river voyage, each of which is illustrated below:

- Johannisberg: famous wine-producing castle in the Rheingau, known for its Rieslings.
- Godesberg: former fortress and spa resort near Bonn.
- Salzenburg: renowned spa resort or castle on the Rhine.
- Rolandseck: romantic castle in ruins, dear to 19th-century poets and painters.
- Kammerstein (probably Kammerburg): feudal ruin linked to the legend of the Lorelei. - Nonnenwerth: an island on the Rhine with a Benedictine convent.
- Rheinfels: one of the largest fortresses on the Rhine, in Sankt Goar.

Dimensions:
→ Height: 11.5 cm
→ Width: 14 cm
→ Length: 14 cm
→ Base diameter: 9 cm
→ Weight: 800 grams
→ Condition: Very good overall condition, with a very subtle chip on one end of the base, see photos. 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



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