Victorian Vase Appraisal

Victorian Enameled Glass Vase with Portrait Medallion

This is a Victorian-era glass vase, likely manufactured in the late 19th or early 20th century, characterized by its distinctive hand-painted and enameled decoration. The vase stands tall with a gently curved, slightly bulbous body that tapers towards a narrower neck and flares out slightly at the rim. The primary color scheme features a vibrant mint green on the lower two-thirds of the body, transitioning smoothly into a rich, deep reddish-brown or burgundy hue on the upper shoulder and neck. The interior of the rim appears to be coated in the same mint green as the lower body, indicating an opaque glass composition, possibly milk glass or opaline glass. One of the most striking features is a central portrait medallion on the mint green section, depicting a young girl with curly brown hair wearing a wide-brimmed blue hat adorned with feathers. Her attire suggests a period style, possibly Rococo revival or similar. Surrounding this portrait, and extending across the mint green body, are intricate gilded or enamel scrollwork designs, floral motifs, and scattered dots, adding a luxurious and decorative quality. Similar, though simpler, gilded dot patterns are present on the reddish-brown neck and shoulder area. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, with careful attention to detail in the painting and gilding. No obvious chips, cracks, or significant wear are visible from the provided image, but a thorough inspection would be required to determine the full extent of any condition issues, such as loss to the gilding, scratches, or internal dirt. The foot of the vase is not visible, but it likely has a polished pontil mark indicative of its handcrafted nature. The overall aesthetic is characteristic of decorative glass produced during the Victorian period, reflecting a preference for ornate and pictorial themes.