Vase (2) - Opaline glass

Pair of decorative vases in white opaline glass, attributed to a European production from the second half of the 19th century, most likely French, in the tradition of opalines decorated as they were fashionable. Their pronounced reaction to ultraviolet light (365 nm) confirms the antiquity of the glass and the use of components characteristic of old recipes. These vases belong to a refined decorative production, intended for interior ornament, where the purity of the opaline material harmonizes with the finesse of a hand-painted decoration.

The two vases present an elegant and perfectly balanced form. They rest on a small smooth circular foot, outlined by a fine gold filet, supporting a slightly swollen body that gently narrows before flaring into a trumpet neck with a lobed lip, also gilded. The material is treated with a contrasting approach: the interior of the vase, the foot, and the neck are kept smooth and bright, while the entire body is delicately frost-mottled, offering a very refined satin finish. On this matte surface unfolds a cold-painted, unglazed decoration, consisting of flowering branches with subtly shaded green leaves, white flowers with gilded centers, and small winged insects rendered with precision. The drawing, delicate and naturalistic, evokes the floral and entomological compositions prized in the 19th century, with a soft palette that harmoniously stands out against the slightly opalescent ivory-tinted background. Under each vase, a small olive-shaped mark is visible, probably the vestige of an old label now vanished.

The set is in excellent condition. The painted decorations are well preserved, with no noticeable fading, and the gilded highlights retain good legibility. Only very light traces of wear compatible with the age and decorative use of the pieces are noted. No chips, cracks or restorations are to be reported, and the vases are perfectly stable.

Opaline experiences a remarkable rise in the 19th century, notably in France, where glassworks develop refined decorative objects intended for bourgeois interiors.
The opaline glass, obtained by the addition of specific components giving this milky, luminous appearance, lent itself particularly well to hand-painted décors.
Fluorescence under ultraviolet light, observable on these vases, is a technical clue consistent with these antique productions.
These pieces thus sit within the continuity of a glassmaking and decorative savoir-faire emblematic of their era, blending mastery of the material, elegance of form, and a pronounced taste for naturalistic decoration.

The average dimensions are:
- Height: 24.4 centimeters,
- Upper diameter: 12.3 centimeters,
Base diameter: 7.4 centimeters.
- Weight: 1850 grams.

Each of the two vases will be individually packaged with care, and the whole set will be shipped quickly and securely. Local pickup and consolidated delivery are available. Photos are part of the description.