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Rare fluorescent green glass UV UV-visible green glass box – enameled decoration in Mary Gregory style – four-foot brass mount – Bohemian, late 19th century

Description

Remarkable antique box in transparent green glass that strongly fluoresces under ultraviolet light, adorned with a beautiful white enamel decoration in the so-called “Mary Gregory” taste, presented in an elegant four-foot elaborately worked brass mount.

Bohemia / Central Europe, late 19th century, around 1880–1900.

This is a particularly seductive model due to the combination of several sought-after elements: the intense color of the glass, its dramatic reaction under UV, the quality of the figural decoration, the generous dimensions of the box, and especially its unusually elaborate metal mount.

A particularly fine Mary Gregory decoration

The lid is entirely occupied by a figurative scene painted in white enamel, depicting a young boy in period costume moving through a leafy landscape.

The execution quality deserves emphasis.

Unlike the most common Mary Gregory decorations, often treated in a rather schematic manner, the character here shows numerous details:

* carefully drawn face with eyes, nose and mouth;
* finely worked hair and hat;
* large collar and bow on the garment;
* folds and contours of the costume;
* ribbon flowing behind the character;
* hands, legs and shoes detailed.

The young boy is surrounded by a rich landscape of ferns, branches and foliage, worked on several levels to give depth to the scene.

The different thicknesses and shades of white enamel create a true modeling that is particularly decorative.

The body of the box also receives a delicate white enamel garland, composed of small flowers, foliage, berries and heart-shaped motifs, running around its rim.

This type of figurative enamel-on-colored glass decoration is traditionally known as the Mary Gregory style, closely associated with Bohemian productions from the second half of the 19th century.

Fluorescent glass under UV

The glass naturally presents a superb lime/green olive, highly luminous hue.

Under ultraviolet light, it develops a very strong green fluorescence, clearly visible in the photographs taken under UV lamp.

This spectacular reaction is characteristic of older glasses containing fluorescent agents, notably productions traditionally referred to by collectors as uranium glass.

UV photographs are an integral part of the description.

An especially decorative antique mount

The box is set in its old metal mount in brass/gilded metal, presumably made especially for this glassware.

It includes:

* a wide lower metal collar;
* a upper collar surrounding the lid;
* an old hinge;
* a small front locking system;
* four particularly decorative feet.

The four feet are formed of double circular intertwined volutes, each ending in a small ball.

This mount gives the object a highly architectural presence and clearly distinguishes it from the smaller Mary Gregory boxes more commonly simply rimmed with metal.

The whole presents a beautiful harmony between the glass’s bright green, the white enamel decoration and the warm patina of the metal.

Dimensions

Approximate dimensions:

* box diameter: 11 cm
* total height: 11.5 cm
* maximum base width, feet included: about 14 cm

These dimensions give it a respectable presence.

Dating

Late 19th century
Around 1880–1900

Origin

Bohemia / Central Europe
Former territory of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Materials

* transparent green glass strongly fluorescent under UV;
* white enamel decoration;
* brass / gilded metal.

Condition

Good overall condition for a piece dating from the late 19th century.

The glass retains excellent transparency as well as a particularly bright color.

The figurative decoration on the lid remains very legible and retains most of its numerous details.

There are some small signs of use, occasional wear and slight enamel loss, particularly on certain parts of the figure and decoration, perfectly consistent with the piece’s age.

The metal mount shows an ancient patina, as well as traces of oxidation and normal wear.

Some minor irregularities and bubbles are also visible in the glass, attesting to its age-old manufacture.

The opening system, hinge and mount are present.

No obvious recent restoration is observed visually.

The photographs were taken carefully and are an integral part of the description. They allow precise examination of the decoration, the glass, the mount and their condition.

Collector’s interest

This box combines several characteristics particularly valued by collectors:

* 19th-century Bohemian glassware;
* Mary Gregory figural decoration;
* green glass with strong UV fluorescence;
* hand-enameled decoration;
* complete antique mount;
* four ornate feet;
* generous size;
* especially detailed figurative scene.

The quality of the character and the richness of the lid’s landscape are clearly higher than many more common Mary Gregory productions.

A decorative and highly attractive collectible piece, suitable for enthusiasts of antique glassware, Mary Gregory, UV/uranium glass, and 19th-century boxes and toiletry items.

The item will be carefully packed for shipment.