These superb display pieces are in very good condition.
Originating from Bohemia these vases are a genuinely old pieces that would be at least 50 years old but possibly significantly older.
The unique design distinguishes the pieces as Egermann vases made in Bohemia in the tradition of Friedrich Egermann, who invented the process to create the ruby glass used on these pieces in the 1830's. The technique was unique in the sense that it involved a complex chemical and physical process that involved imparting elements of copper into the surface of the glass at high temperature which would cause the glass to change colour to a dark ruby red. The only known way at that time to make red glass was using gold which was very expensive. His invention was a real achievement, as the colour produced was a true, rich red and hence his glassware proved extremely popular. Such was his success that for many years he kept his formula a secret until his factory was broken into and his secret formula was stolen!
Egermann red coloured glass pieces are ornately engraved with baroque style motifs that cut through the red to the clear glass layer beneath. These particular vases feature a very ornate border to the top featuring a bird, a castle and a deer. There are also deep cut panels to the glass. The size of the pieces makes them a show stopping display perfect for a mantle or large sideboard.
The pieces measure 27 - 28cm tall and 22 - 23 cm in diameter at the rim. The vases are different as they were hand made, possibly decades apart. The shape is slightly different (one has tighter 'waisting') and the height is slightly different too. Even though the pattern engraved is the same, there are differences in that as well... with one seeming to have a slightly finer detail than the other. As you can see from my picture though, you have to really look at the critically to notice. They are made from high quality thick glass that has a polished rim.
There are absolutely no chips or cracks and no clouding to the pieces. There are some light scratches to the underside of the base from surface contact and a few very small scratches to the red through to the clear as photographed.
These piece can be posted Australia wide.
