ignoto - Table service (8) - Rock crystal

Table service consisting of: a carafe at the center height 14.4 x diameter 7 cm, the shape of the body, the wide fountain-like mouth, the ringed stacked foot, and the applied handle allow us to confirm with absolute precision the identity of the entire service. Pair of wine bottles (at the base) height 22 x diameter 10 cm and 22.5 x diameter 10 cm: they feature a globular, flattened carafe body (often described as a faggot bottle or top-shaped), purposely designed to promote wine aeration during pouring. The neck, long and cylindrical, is adorned in the upper half by delicate vertical facets with glossy ribs that aid grip and are finished with their original egg-shaped, finely faceted lozenge-cut stoppers (diamond cut). The body is entirely covered by the engraved decoration. The Technique: The entire ornamentation is executed through engraving with hydrofluoric acid (etching). This chemical process damages the surface layer of the crystal, creating a matte, slightly recessed and satinized pattern that, to the touch, recalls the texture of fabric. A delicate garland in a continuous frieze with viticcio motifs outlines the upper edge. The main body houses the splendid decorative motif that develops horizontally, alternating dense satin interlacings with wide zones of clear crystal to catch and reflect light. Two stemless glasses with thick bases, flared upward, typically used for water, soft drinks or long drinks, height 9.9 x diameter 7.5 cm and three cordial glasses height 10.4 x diameter 4.8 cm with the characteristic baluster-lobed stem and conical cup. Period: End of the 19th century – the first quarter of the 20th century (approximately 1890-1930). The style of the decoration recalls famous French productions (such as Baccarat or St. Louis). At the time (before 1936), many of these manufactories did not mark pieces with an acid-etched mark on the bottom, but used simple paper labels that were lost with washing.