Portieux-Vallerysthal - Tray - Manganese

Superb freestanding display stand made of molded glass and metal attributed to the Portieux-Vallerysthal glassworks, active in Lorraine at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. This elegant piece illustrates the refined taste of the Belle Époque for utilitarian objects that are both decorative and functional. The tray reacts to ultraviolet light (365nm) with a green fluorescence, a characteristic sign of manganese glass used before the 1930s, thus confirming its age.

The large circular plate, with a wavy edge, features a precisely molded decoration: drop-shaped cartouches alternate with radiating flutes emanating from the center, each cartouche adorned with a delicate motif of small relief berries. The overall design evokes the models depicted in the Portieux-Vallerysthal catalogs around 1890–1910. In the center, a metal ring decorated with a twelve-petaled rosette allows the glass to be attached to the base. The foot, made of dark, uniform ferrous metal, adopts a simple line: a straight shaft, a stepped base, and a balanced silhouette. The original assembly shows a slight tilt of the plate, due to the adjustment of the screw, without affecting the stability or the aesthetic of the piece. The glass is in very good condition, with some signs of wear but free of cracks or chips. It retains its crystalline transparency, punctuated by small bubbles, typical manufacturing traces of antique glass.

The Portieux-Vallerysthal glassworks, founded in 1705 and regrouped in the 19th century, are among the most prestigious French glass manufacturers. Renowned for their creations blending tradition and innovation, they have produced a wide range of pressed, molded, and art opaline glasses. Their pieces stand out for the quality of the molding, the clarity of the glass, and the richness of the decorations inspired by nature and architecture. This display, both simple and refined, fully embodies the craftsmanship and elegance characteristic of this great Lorraine house.

The dimensions are:
Height: 14.4 centimeters.
- Upper diameter: 23.7 centimeters.
Diameter of the base: 12.2 centimeters.
Weight: 1150 grams.

The board will be carefully packed and shipped quickly in a secure manner. Local pickup and combined delivery are available. Photos are part of the description.