Epergne - Glass - 19th century

Venetian floriated centerpiece - Pink glass epergne. Italy, 19th century. Florentine-style centerpiece, of the epergne type, Italian production with Venetian tradition, executed in blown and hand-worked glass, predominantly in translucent pink tones, combined with colorless glass elements. The composition develops vertically from a broad circular base in the shape of a cup, with a slightly concave bottom and a richly undulated rim, forming successive pleats or frills. In the center rises a structure made of transparent and pink glass rods, joined by small golden-toned metal fittings. The top features four floriated forms in the shape of a horn of plenty, intended for placing flowers. The central floriated piece, larger in size, has an elongated body and a wide opening, crowned by an undulating and asymmetrical rim. Around them are arranged three smaller secondary florettes, also in pink glass, with cut spouts and deeply foliated, creating a floral effect with great movement and exuberance. The florettes are enriched by applications and filaments of colorless glass, worked in spiral and applied around the bodies, highlighting the technical virtuosity associated with the Venetian glassmaking tradition. The composition is completed by several twisting transparent stems, with a curvilinear development, ending in large open volutes, giving balance, lightness, and dynamism to the whole. The contrast between the pink glass, in a deep and luminous shade, and the transparent elements produces a particularly expressive decorative effect. The undulating shaping of the extremities, the spiral applications, and the asymmetrical arrangement of the stems confer the piece with a appearance that is simultaneously delicate and theatrical, characteristic of European 19th-century centerpieces inspired by Venetian production. A piece designed for ornamenting display tables, sideboards, or consoles, while the lower cup can hold flowers, fruits, or decorative elements, and the upper horn-of-plenty allow the creation of floral arrangements at different heights. It shows signs of age and use compatible with the period, as well as small irregularities typical of artisanal glass blowing. Dimensions: 47 × 27 cm.