19th-Century French Blue Opaline Glass Vase – Moulded Portrait Medallions – c. 1870–1900 Description An elegant 19th-century blue opaline glass vase, most likely of French origin, dating to approximately c. 1870–1900. The vase has a classical baluster form with a flared, softly scalloped rim, a moulded rope-twist collar and pronounced vertical ribbing around the body. Particularly attractive are the two opposing oval portrait medallions in relief, depicting a male and a female profile in a distinctly classical taste. The intense opaque turquoise-blue colour is characteristic of decorative opaline and pressed glass produced in France during the later 19th century. The form and moulded decoration are consistent with the type of production associated with French glass centres such as Portieux and Vallérysthal, although no factory mark is present and the maker therefore remains unattributed. The underside shows the expected manufacturing characteristics and age-related traces of an antique moulded glass object. The slightly irregular scalloped rim, moulded details and base are integral to its traditional manufacture. Details * Object: decorative vase * Material: opaque blue opaline / moulded glass * Probable origin: France * Period: second half of the 19th century, approximately c. 1870–1900 * Style: Historicist / Napoleon III period * Decoration: two moulded classical portrait medallions * Height: approximately 20 cm * Maximum width: approximately 9 cm * Colour: vivid turquoise blue * Condition: very good antique condition, with minor surface and manufacturing irregularities consistent with age and production. Please study the photographs carefully as they form an integral part of the condition description. A particularly decorative example of 19th-century European opaline glass, combining a striking colour with sculptural relief decoration and an unusually elegant classical form. The combination of strong saturated colour, portrait reliefs, architectural ribbing and the flared scalloped rim gives this vase considerably more visual presence than a plain opaline example. Its relatively compact 20 cm scale also makes it especially suitable for a cabinet collection or as a standalone decorative accent. About The Collector’s Eye Every item I offer has been carefully selected for its quality, authenticity and timeless appeal. The Collector’s Eye presents a curated selection of original paintings, luxury accessories, vintage writing instruments and exceptional decorative objects. Each piece is chosen not only for its craftsmanship, but also for its ability to enrich an interior and become part of a lasting collection. I believe beautiful objects deserve a second life with collectors who appreciate their history, character and enduring elegance. All items are carefully inspected, professionally photographed and securely packaged for worldwide shipping. I hope this exceptional piece will bring its next owner as much enjoyment as it has brought me discovering it.