Late 19th Century Moser Cranberry Glass Shell Dish With Enamel & Gilt

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Exceptional late 19th-century Moser Bohemian art glass shell-form dish in richly colored cranberry glass, elaborately decorated with polychrome enamel and … Read more Exceptional late 19th-century Moser Bohemian art glass shell-form dish in richly colored cranberry glass, elaborately decorated with polychrome enamel and gilding.
The deeply ribbed shell form is covered with flowering branches, colorful blossoms, birds in flight, and finely rendered gilt ornament with a strong Japonisme influence. A scalloped border follows the dramatic shell-shaped rim, finished with gilding and a row of white enamel beading.
The large, deeply molded shell form is particularly impressive from a technical standpoint. Producing a broad dish with this degree of ribbing and a pronounced scalloped edge required careful control of the hot glass to maintain symmetry, even wall thickness, and a clean, flowing rim. The extensive enamel painting and gilding would then have required multiple stages of hand decoration and firing, making pieces of this scale considerably more demanding than simpler blown forms.
Founded by Ludwig Moser in Karlsbad, Bohemia, in 1857, Moser became internationally known for richly decorated luxury glass, particularly finely enameled, gilded, and engraved wares. By the late 19th century, the firm was producing increasingly elaborate decorative pieces influenced by Historicism, Japonisme, and the emerging Art Nouveau aesthetic.

Dimensions: 10.75" diameter × 2" H
Date: Circa 1880–1890
Maker: Moser
Origin: Karlsbad, Bohemia See less