Large Late Victorian Highly Cut Lead Crystal Tazza c.1880

This is a stunning example of a highly cut lead crystal tazza, probably British in origin and dating to around 1880. The broad rounded bowl is cut around the centre of the bowl is cut with eight equidistant large criss-crosses. The upper limbs of adjacent crosses are joined by a pair of parallel lines. The panel thus formed is filled with an eight-pointed star cut. Each large criss-cross is overcut with a diamond, forming four diamond-shaped panels. Each panel contains a further fine cross cut. This pattern is bordered above and below by a fine circumferential wedge cut and a band of horizontal oval cuts. The solid stem has a central bulbous portion and is waisted above and below. The plain, flat foot has a central polished pontil. It has a height of approximately 15.8cm, with a diameter across the rim of about 20.8cm and across the foot of about 12.7cm. It is in excellent condition, with no chips or cracks, although there are a few wear and tear scratches to the bowl and foot, commensurate with the age of the piece.