Georgian Anglo-Irish Cut-Glass Lidded Urns attributed to Waterford, 1820, Set of 2

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A magnificent and unusually impressive pair of Georgian Anglo-Irish cut-glass lidded urns, attributed to Waterford, dating to approximately 1820. Standing … Read more A magnificent and unusually impressive pair of Georgian Anglo-Irish cut-glass lidded urns, attributed to Waterford, dating to approximately 1820. Standing at an imposing 12 inches high, these exceptional vessels demonstrate the extraordinary level of craftsmanship associated with early 19th-century Anglo-Irish cut glass. The urns have an elegant square-footed form, each rising from a substantial square base and tapering gracefully towards the shoulders and neck. Their bodies and lids are extensively hand-cut, with decoration continuing almost uninterrupted from the base to the rim. The cutting is exceptionally elaborate, incorporating marquise-shaped optic cabochon cuts, geometric facets and deeply executed patterning, producing a remarkable play of light across every surface. The matching lids are equally impressive, carrying complementary cut decoration and completing the architectural quality of the pair. The glass possesses the attractive soft greyish tone often encountered in early 19th-century glass, adding considerable character and visual depth. When placed in natural light, the numerous facets catch and reflect the light beautifully, creating a constantly changing display of highlights. The scale, weight and complexity of the cutting make these far more than ordinary storage vessels. They would have been luxurious objects intended for a sophisticated interior and would make an exceptional statement displayed upon a sideboard, console, cabinet or dining-room table. Anglo-Irish Cut Glass Anglo-Irish glass of the Georgian and Regency periods is particularly admired for its clarity, substantial weight and elaborate hand-cut decoration. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Irish glassmakers developed an extraordinary vocabulary of deep cutting, geometric facets, diamonds, stars, lenses and other optical effects. Waterford became one of the most celebrated names associated with this tradition. The present urns are attributed to Waterford, based on their form, substantial construction and sophisticated cut-glass decoration. A pair of this scale and complexity is particularly difficult to find. Measurements Height: approximately 30.5 cm (12 in.) Maximum diameter: approximately 12.7 cm (5 in.) Base diameter: approximately 7 cm (2¾ in.) Weight: Urn 1: approximately 1.9 kg Urn 2: approximately 1.8 kg Condition Very good antique condition, consistent with approximately 200 years of age. One urn has a small bruise to the inside edge of the rim, illustrated in the photographs. There are also a few minor roughnesses to edges and areas of shelf wear to the bases, all consistent with age and historic use. No other significant chips, cracks or repairs noted. Please study all photographs carefully, which form an integral part of the condition . A Magnificent Georgian Pair The exceptional scale, extensive cutting and elegant architectural form make these urns a particularly striking pair for the collector of Georgian glass, Anglo-Irish glass, Waterford or early 19th-century decorative arts. Their monumental presence and extraordinary light-catching surfaces would make them equally at home in a period interior or a sophisticated contemporary collection. An impressive and highly decorative pair of early 19th-century glass vessels, offering a rare opportunity to acquire two substantial examples of Georgian Anglo-Irish cut glass. See less