Bohemian Painted Glass Bud Vase Appraisal

Bohemian Painted Glass Bud Vase, Green with Floral and Gilt Decoration

This is a Bohemian-style art glass bud vase, characterized by its vibrant green transparent glass and elaborate hand-painted decoration. The vase features a tall, slender neck that flares gently towards the rim, transitioning into a more bulbous, rounded base. The primary color of the glass is a rich emerald green. The decoration consists of delicate floral motifs, predominantly appearing to be white and purple flowers with green foliage, possibly depicting violets or similar blossoms. These floral designs are intricately painted on both the upper slender portion of the neck and more prominently around the widest part of the base. Enhancing the floral elements is extensive gilt (gold-painted) detailing, which creates swirling arabesques and accentuates the contours of the vase. On the bulbous base, a prominent gilded cartouche or panel contains what appears to be a handwritten inscription or signature, though the letters are not entirely legible in the provided images, possibly 'Cristal' or a similar word, which would suggest a manufacturing origin or material specification. The craftsmanship indicates hand-painting, given the slight variations and expressive quality of the brushstrokes. The overall style suggests a late 19th or early 20th-century European (likely Bohemian or Venetian) origin, known for its highly decorative glasswork. The condition appears to be good, with no immediately visible chips, cracks, or significant paint loss, although a closer inspection would be needed to confirm this. The gilt details also seem largely intact, contributing to the item's perceived quality and decorative appeal. The narrow opening suggests it was designed for a single flower or a small sprig.