Antique Rosa Chine Claret Jugs Ewers from Loetz, 1890, Set of 2

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An exceptionally rare and beautiful pair of antique loetz claret jugs, attributed to the celebrated bohemian glassworks and dating to … Read more An exceptionally rare and beautiful pair of antique loetz claret jugs, attributed to the celebrated bohemian glassworks and dating to approximately c.1890. A superb collector’s pair displaying the highly desirable “rosa chine” decorative treatment, with rich rose-pink iridescence, applied threading, elegant handles and original numbered stoppers. A wonderful estate discovery and a particularly exciting find for collectors of loetz and art nouveau art glass. To find a single example of this quality is unusual; to find a matching pair, both surviving in such remarkable condition, is considerably rarer. The jugs have a magnificent deep rose-pink ground with a silky, highly iridescent surface, which changes dramatically according to the surrounding light. The delicate applied threading runs elegantly throughout the bodies, creating additional texture and movement across the glass. The unusual form is particularly attractive, with a subtle pinched section beneath each handle, enhancing the optical qualities of the glass and allowing the iridescence to catch the light from different angles. The handles are beautifully formed from clear applied glass with a satin-like iridescent appearance, while the original clear-glass stoppers complement the design perfectly. And then there are the bases… both examples retain their beautifully polished concave pontil marks, providing further evidence of their hand-finished construction. Turning them over and discovering such well-preserved pontils, together with the original stoppers, was a particularly rewarding part of examining these pieces. Rosa chine “rosa chine” is among the distinctive decorative treatments associated with late 19th-century loetz glass. Examples combining a coloured ground, iridescent surface, applied threading and intricate decorative effects are particularly attractive to collectors. The complex interaction between the glass body, applied trails and iridescent surface creates a wonderful depth and luminosity. Under stronger natural light, the colour can shift through rose, pink, silver and subtle golden tones. The two original stoppers are particularly impressive. Both remain in excellent condition, and their survival alongside the matching jugs significantly enhances the appeal of the pair. A rare matching pair these are magnificent display pieces for a serious loetz, art nouveau or late victorian art-glass collection. Their proportions are elegant and architectural, while the combination of rich colour, iridescence and applied threading gives them an unmistakably luxurious appearance. The survival of both matching jugs, their original stoppers and polished pontil marks, together with their exceptional condition after more than a century, makes this an especially desirable pair. I have included photographs of other loetz examples displaying related rosa chine decoration for reference. Measurements height: approx. 11" (28 cm) width: approx. 6" (15.2 cm) weight: approx. 560g each condition excellent to near-mint antique condition. Both jugs are exceptionally well preserved, with no significant chips, cracks or repairs noted. The original stoppers are also in excellent condition. The glass retains its beautiful clarity, colour and iridescent surface. Any extremely minor age-related handling or surface characteristics should be considered commensurate with an antique piece of approximately 135 years. A genuinely exceptional matching pair for the discerning loetz collector — rare, highly decorative and remarkably well preserved. See less