Carafe - Manganese - hobnail

Superb manganese glass table carafe with hobnail decoration, made between the late 19th century and the early 20th century, in the transitional period between Art Nouveau and the beginnings of Art Deco. This piece captivates with its particularly expressive relief and the quality of its glass, whose luminous transparency is characteristic of manganese-decolored compositions used at that time.

The carafe features an elegant baluster silhouette, narrowing at the center and then flaring to a wide, wavy neck forming a generous pouring lip. The entire surface is covered with a remarkable hobnail pattern composed of circular cabochons in strong relief, arranged in regular rows. Each cabochon encloses a finely textured center that catches and diffracts light, creating a visually particularly lively effect. The base is outlined by a crown of protruding cabochons that further enhances the sculpture-like appearance of the piece. A clear glass footed handle harmoniously accompanies the line of the piece, while a delicate gold filet applied to the upper edge adds a further note of refinement.

The overall condition is excellent. No chips, cracks, or restorations are to be reported. The gilding on the neck shows only light, uniform wear consistent with the piece’s age. The underside retains a clearly visible pontil, evidence of a finishing that was still largely manual. Some tiny material irregularities and manufacturing traces inherent to ancient glassmaking processes contribute to the object's authenticity.

Very fashionable between 1890 and 1915, the hobnail decor is one of the most emblematic motifs of Belle Époque decorative glass. Inspired by the search for reliefs and luminous effects, it transforms here a simple utilitarian carafe into a piece with strong visual presence. Combining artisanal know-how, manganese glass, and rich texture work, this carafe perfectly illustrates the evolution of European decorative arts at the turn of the 20th century.

Dimensions are:
- Height: 24.1 centimeters,
- Length: 16.6 centimeters,
- Width: 12 centimeters,
- Weight: 625 grams.

The carafe will be carefully packaged and shipped promptly in a secure manner. On-site pickup and combined delivery are available. Photos are part of the description.