Late 19th-Century Hand-Blown Applied Glass Bride’s Bank Crown Flower Frog

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A striking late 19th-century hand-blown clear glass bride’s bank, also known as a crown vase or flower frog, distinguished by … Read more A striking late 19th-century hand-blown clear glass bride’s bank, also known as a crown vase or flower frog, distinguished by its elaborate applied-glass construction. The vessel features a rounded blown-glass body surrounded by elongated looping glass applications, with additional hand-worked foliate and scroll-like elements forming an ornate crown around the upper opening.

Bride’s banks and related crown-form vessels were decorative glass objects traditionally associated with weddings and were later used as flower holders, with the applied glass framework serving as an integral flower frog. Examples of the form are associated with both American and European glassmaking traditions of the late Victorian period.

Entirely sculptural in appearance, this example displays the individuality expected of hand-worked glass, including variations in the applied elements and evidence of the glassmaker’s tooling. The clear glass beautifully catches and refracts light, allowing the elaborate construction to remain the focal point.

An unusual piece of late Victorian art glass that displays beautifully on its own and would also make a distinctive vessel for a small floral arrangement.

Circa 1880–1910. Maker and country of origin unknown.

Approximately 6" H × 4" diameter at base. Maximum overall width should be added once measured across the applied glasswork. See less