Turquoise Opaline Glass Vase with Painted Bouquets

A vase of pale turquoise opaline glass, its rim drawn into a soft scalloped edge and its body carried by hand-painted enameled bouquets. Remnants of gilding still catch the light along the decoration, a quiet record of how brilliant the piece once was when new.

The vase was hand formed and blown; the underside retains the shears cut, or straw mark, left by the glassmaker's tools. It stands 8¼ inches (210 mm) high, and is dated to the late nineteenth century, probably made in France.

Opaline of this color, worked at this scale and finished by hand, remains a satisfying addition to a serious collection of the material.