Likely Antique 19th Century French Blue Opaline Glass Bowl with Intricate Gilded Fruit and Vine Border

Likely Antique 19th Century French Blue Opaline Glass Bowl with Intricate Gilded Fruit and Vine Border

by Big Whale Consignment
CA$251.00
Sold by Big Whale Consignment bigwhaleconsignment.comQuality 79
A fine example of 19th-century French opaline glass, this vibrant sky-blue bowl showcases the luminous, semi-translucent quality typical of high-quality opaline production. The glass features subtle internal swirls visible in the light, enhancing its depth and visual texture. The bowl's generous, low-profile form is both sculptural and functional, with a smoothly rounded body that gently tapers to a recessed circular foot. The highlight of the piece is the wide gilded rim, adorned with an ornate raised pattern of grape clusters, pears, apples, and scrolling vine leaves.This decorative band is acid-etched and gilded, creating a finely detailed, matte-gold finish that contrasts beautifully with the glossy blue glass. The gold rim also includes a narrow, encircling band at the lower edge for visual balance and refinement. The bowl is hand-blown, as evidenced by the polished pontil on the underside a hallmark of artisanal glasswork from the period. There are no maker's marks, which is consistent with many French opaline pieces of the 1800s, but the craftsmanship and design are characteristic of luxury glassware made for the decorative arts market during the Napoleon Ill era.This bowl…