Large 19th Century Beige Opaline Glass Vase with Hand-Painted Bird and Foliate Design

This is a highly attractive example of a glass flower vase, probably continental in origin and dating to the third-quarter of the 19th century.

The vase has been mould-blown, with a tapering neck and a baluster-shaped body. It sits on a small round stepped plinth-like base.

The body is made from a pale beige coloured opaque glass, more commonly referred to as 'opaline'. It has been hand-painted with enamels; the front has a motif consisting of stylised grass and foliage, within which a bird is perched. On the reverse there is a small motif consisting of stylised leaves. The rim was originally gilded, although this is very worn. There are bands of gilding to the base, the lowermost ring of which is also quite worn. The underside of the base is painted in black with the number ‘603’.

It has a height of approximately 27.0cm, with a diameter across the rim of about 7.9cm and across the base of about 8.3cm.

It is in excellent condition, with no chips or cracks, although as previously mentioned the gilding is worn.