Late 19th Century Moser Cranberry Glass Gilt & Enameled Footed Compote

Details

Description

Exceptional late 19th-century Bohemian art glass footed compote by Moser, richly decorated in polychrome enamel and gilding over luminous cranberry … Read more Exceptional late 19th-century Bohemian art glass footed compote by Moser, richly decorated in polychrome enamel and gilding over luminous cranberry glass.
The shallow scalloped bowl is arranged in a striking radial composition of heart-shaped cartouches, each outlined in white enamel and filled with finely painted floral sprays, scrolling foliage, and jewel-like enamel accents in red, blue, green, yellow, and white. Gilded sections between the cartouches are further embellished with dense stylized floral and foliate decoration. The pattern continues onto the raised pedestal foot, giving the piece an unusually complete and lavish decorative treatment.

This distinctive heart-cartouche decoration is documented on Moser tableware from the celebrated George Klabin Collection. A substantial service employing the same combination of cranberry glass, heart-shaped floral cartouches, gilded panels, and polychrome enamel decoration is illustrated in Gary D. Baldwin's Moser Glass: The Klabin Collection, p. 103, plate 129.

Moser, founded by Ludwig Moser in Karlsbad, Bohemia in 1857, became particularly noted during the late 19th century for elaborate engraved, enameled, and gilded glass. The dense ornament and jewel-like palette of this compote reflect the firm's richly decorated historicist production of the period.

A beautiful cabinet piece in its own right, the low pedestal form also makes it especially striking displayed on a console, cocktail table, or dining table.

Dimensions:
6.5" diameter × 3.25" H
Date:
Circa 1880–1890
Origin:
Karlsbad, Bohemia — present-day Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
Condition:
Excellent antique condition. Minor wear to the gilding consistent with age and use. No chips or cracks. See less