Art Deco Decanter Set with Cobalt Blue Accents
Decorative art; glassware set consisting of a decanter and five cordial/liqueur glasses. • Attributed to a European glass manufacturer, possibly Czechoslovakian (such as Moser or Karl Palda school) or French (in the manner of early Daum or Baccarat commercial lines).
Style & Movement
Art Deco / Streamline Moderne. Characterized by clean vertical optic ribbing and geometric contrast in colors.
Medium & Technique
Hand-blown and molded clear glass with cobalt blue glass components (finial, stem, and base). Finished with fire-polishing and likely tool-formed stoppers.
Creation Period
Circa 1920–1940 (Art Deco period).
Dimensions & Format
Estimated decanter height: 8–10 inches; glasses: 3–4 inches. Vertical table-top format.
Subject Description
A utilitarian liquor service set. The decanter features a broad-shouldered, tapering body with vertical optic ribs. It is crowned with a distinctive flat disc cobalt blue stopper. The accompanying glasses echo this design with clear bowls and vibrant cobalt blue stems and circular bases.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The clear glass maintains good clarity; the cobalt elements are vibrant.
Estimated Market Value
$150 – $350 USD.
Auction Estimate
$100 – $250 USD.
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a private residential collection. Common for mid-market high-quality European exports of the early 20th century to North America.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the transition of high-end glass design into the middle-class domestic sphere during the interwar period. The use of 'optic' glass (molded internal ribbing) and bold color accents was a hallmark of the Bohemian glass trade that dominated this era's export market.
Notable Features
The 'teadish' or flat-disc stopper is a highly desirable Art Deco design element. The vertical optic ribbing on the decanter creates a play of light that mimics architectural fluting.
Condition Issues
Visible surface scratches on the wooden table indicate the set has been used. Potential minute fleabites on the stopper plug and inner rim of the decanter (common for ground-glass seals). Some glasses show slight cloudiness or 'sick glass' residue from evaporated liquid.
Conservation Recommendations
Hand wash only with mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid dishwashers which cause permanent clouding. Store with a thin strip of paper between the stopper and neck to prevent 'stuck stopper' syndrome due to humidity.