Ruby Flashed Bohemian-Style Chalice
Decorative Art, Glassware (Goblet/Chalice) • Unattributed European manufacture, likely Bohemian (Czech) or German glassworks in the style of Egermann.
Style & Movement
Biedermeier Revival / Victorian Decorative Glass
Medium & Technique
Hand-blown clear lead glass with a ruby (cranberry) flash/overlay, featuring wheel-cut 'cut-to-clear' geometric facets and thumbprints.
Creation Period
Late 19th to Mid-20th Century (Circa 1890-1950)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12-15 cm in height; Three-dimensional functional object.
Subject Description
A drinking vessel or decorative goblet featuring a deep red stain. The design consists of a wide bowl with a repeating X-pattern cut through to the clear glass, a tapered stem with arched window cuts, and a wide circular clear base.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; Visible surface scratching, potential flea bites on the rim, and significant internal clouding/residue in the base of the bowl.
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $65.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$20.00 - $40.00 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; A modern adhesive price tag or inventory label is visible on the base, suggesting recent sale in a secondary market like an antique shop or estate sale.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the mass-market adaptation of 19th-century luxury Bohemian glass techniques. While not a unique masterwork, it demonstrates the enduring popularity of the 'Ruby Stain' aesthetic in European decorative arts.
Notable Features
The piece features a distinct 'cut-to-clear' motif and a wide, stable foot. The optical contrast between the saturated ruby stain and the clear glass core is the defining aesthetic characteristic.
Condition Issues
Visible mineral deposits or 'glass sickness' (cloudiness) at the bottom of the bowl; surface abrasions on the red flashing; adhesive residue on the foot.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning with mild soapy distal water. Avoid abrasive chemicals that could further scratch the red flash layer. Store in a stable environment away from extreme temperature shifts to prevent glass stress.