Gold-Plated Crystal Glass Decanter from Ludwig Moser, Austria, 19th Century

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Description of the item
a splendid bottle, a bohemian crystal decanter entirely hand-cut, with a fabulous large crystal stopper, also … Read more Description of the item
a splendid bottle, a bohemian crystal decanter entirely hand-cut, with a fabulous large crystal stopper, also hand-cut, embellished with a fine gold-plated metal appliqué decorated with subtle raphael-style bas-reliefs. Etched “moser” on the underside of the base; crafted in austria by the renowned designer ludwig moser in the late 19th century. Exceptionally high artistic quality, with the crystal cutting entirely done by hand in a complex and meticulous process. Moser is one of the world’s most prestigious glass and crystal manufacturers: founded in 1857 in karlsbad—now karlovy vary—in bohemia by ludwig moser, it became the official supplier to the imperial court of austria-hungary and to numerous european royal houses, earning it the reputation as “the glass of kings.” even today, its hand-cut and hand-decorated crystal pieces are among the most sought-after by international collectors. On art price, in the “objects” category, it boasts 59 results, among which the top 10 range from 532 euros (plus auction fees) to 1,500 euros (also plus auction fees) for objects that are, on average, much smaller than our decanter—consider, in fact, that the item that achieved the highest price, 1,500 euros, is a small, hand-ground crystal potiche barely 15 cm tall—this is to give you an idea of the value of our piece.

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, czech republic (then part of the austro-hungarian empire), where many independent artists worked; however, it was in 1892, as the business expanded and began producing its own crystal, that it became a full-fledged manufacturer with 400 workers: the karlsbaderglasindustrie gesellschaft ludwig moser & söhne. Its defining characteristics lie in the materials it chooses to work with and the types of craftsmanship employed, in a synergy where the two elements are closely interdependent. Thus, regarding the former, the deliberate choice falls on typical bohemian crystal, that potassium-calcium glass, which is lighter and less refractive than lead crystal but can be easily carved and engraved, in addition to offering better adhesion for gold decorations—a hallmark of an entire moser production line, manifested in an engraved frieze featuring a classical, antique-style motif that is then gilded, running all the way around the vase. Alongside this, another recurring decorative element is a floral motif deeply engraved and carved into clear crystal, often finished with an additional application of colored crystal. This piece has an attribution mark,
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