Bottle (2) - Crystal

Two antique collectible Biedermeier crystal objects set. The first is a liqueur bottle (or decanter), characterized by a refined combination of machined crystal, engraved glass, and precious metal finishes (silver). The piece stands out for its geometric lines and extraordinary richness of decorative details. The body features a refined octagonal silhouette (faceted) of a flattened cross-section, typical of Neoclassical taste or the later eclectic/Biedermeier production of the second half of the nineteenth century. Decoration (acid engraving/sandblasting): The glass surface is entirely animated by a complex, delicate satin engraving. The central motif depicts a flowering basket (or planter) from which floral scrolls, garlands of leaves, and rose buds extend. The precision of the details creates a beautiful matte/shiny contrast with the transparent crystal of the background. The base is thick and mirror-smooth to provide stability and refract light, enhancing the material’s clarity. The neck and collar of the bottle are clad with a striking silver mouthpiece. The lower part of the metal collar is embellished with a fine, incised frieze featuring geometric and beaded motifs, which serves as an elegant separation between the smooth metal and the crystal body. The stopper is original and contemporary, made of solid clear crystal. Era: 19th century (second half of the nineteenth century) / Early twentieth century production (about 1870-1910) in Bohemia as part of Germany. Condition: small chip in one corner (see photo). Size: height 19 x 14 x 8.5 cm. The second object is a large tankard (or large glass, or parade cylinder, or large beer/water glass without a handle), featuring prominent iconography of historical-religious character, fully historiated. Slender cylindrical body that expands slightly toward a solid base, thick and outward-rimmed ring (stability typical of period containers). The lower half of the body is decorated with vertical ribbing (flat channels), creating a dense play of vertical reflections. This section is bounded above by a border of small festoons or milled semicircles, which acts as a pedestal for the figurative scene. The upper part hosts a continuous incised acid frieze, finely finished with a copper wheel, depicting a sacred or legendary scene set in a rural landscape. The Central Figure (The Bishop/Saint): on the left stands a commanding male figure wearing sacred vestments: a mitre on the head and a long mantle. He holds a staff (likely a pastoral staff or a pilgrim’s staff). The outstretched arm seems to point or bless the figures in prayer before him on the right, kneeling at the foot of a tree and facing farming tools (a rudimentary harrow or plow is glimpsed). There are two figures (probably peasants or pilgrims) in an attitude of deep devotion and prayer, with heads bowed. In the background, shown with notable perspective, a church or monastery with a bell tower topped by a cross, large arched windows, and a sloping roof rises. A wooden fence on the left marks the property or field. The scene is framed by detailed vegetation, with a large leafy tree on the left and more stylized trees on the right, grounding the narrative in a rural, wooded context. The scene very likely depicts a miracle or episode from the life of a saintly bishop and evangelizer (much venerated in Central Europe). It could be a representation related to: Saint Boniface (the evangelizer of Germany), Saint Hubert or Saint Leonard (patron saints of farmers and livestock). Size: height 15.5 cm x diameter 9.4 cm.