Vase Art Appraisal

Art Glass Gilded & Enameled Vase

This is an elegant enameled and gilded art glass vase, likely dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, possibly of Bohemian or French origin given its aesthetic. The vase features a distinctive form with a bulbous or squat body that transitions smoothly into a tall, slender, and slightly tapering neck. The primary color scheme consists of a rich, deep cobalt blue glass, heavily adorned with extensive gold gilding and blue enamel decoration. The gilded areas cover the majority of the bulbous body, creating a striking metallic background for the contrasting blue floral or foliate motifs. These motifs appear to be hand-enameled, showing variations in saturation and brushwork that indicate artisanal craftsmanship rather than machine printing. The gold gilding extends up the neck, gradually thinning towards the rim, which exhibits a 'spatter' or 'speckled' gold effect, possibly intentional for textural interest or a sign of age-related wear to the gilding. There are some visible minor scratches and areas of wear to both the gilding and the blue enamel, consistent with age and handling, but no major chips or cracks are apparent. The craftsmanship suggests a high-quality piece, with careful attention to detail in the application of both the gold and the enamel. The overall design evokes an Art Nouveau or Aesthetic Movement sensibility, characterized by organic forms and rich ornamentation. No discernible maker's marks or signatures are visible in the provided image.