A Victorian Iris opalescent Vaseline glass Epergne, Made in Stourbridge England, circa 1880.
This amazing Epergne is inspired by the shape of an Iris, with a central floral trumpet, surrounded by three trumpet flutes, all fitting snugly into a scalloped bowl base.
The Iris flower's long, sword-like leaves, arching stems, and undulating petals naturally matched the movement’s love for whip-lash curves, organic asymmetry, and flowing plant forms. 19th-century trade with Japan introduced Edo-period screen paintings and woodblock prints, where irises by water were a favored subject. Art Nouveau designers translated this graphic, flat-patterned elegance into Western decorative arts.
Once practical tableware in 18th-century France, epergnes evolved into extravagant Victorian centerpieces. Early silver versions held sweets and condiments, but by the 19th century delicate glass flutes transformed them into decorative displays for flowers or candles. Their ornate designs flourished until the Arts and Crafts movement, which favored simplicity over ornament, brought their fashion to an end.
Fantastic condition to the glass, no chips, cracks or repairs.
Fantastic bright glow under UV blacklight, truly a centre piece for any glass collector. note: images taken with UV light torch, 395nm wavelength.
Total Height when assembled 45 x Width 26 at widest point when assembled cm
All items are sensitively and minimally cleaned
Any questions please don't hesitate to drop me a message. I am very happy to pass on any additional information, or images you may need, if you are interested in more than one item I can arrange a combined postage price. Many thanks.
All items will be packaged using recycled or reused materials to help minimise any environmental impact.
Please be aware that you are purchasing a vintage item. We mention any obvious defects to the glass such as chips, cracks, etc. in our description but there may also be minor manufacturing faults eg. marks from the mould, straw marks and air bubbles, which is normal for glass of this era.
We offer complimentary Insurance cover with this item, the price of the shipping reflects the complexity of packing such a complicated item, but please be assured were are very experienced in shipping delicate glass internationally.
Just a quick note to all our American customers, we are up to speed on all the new import tariff changes, please feel confident with continuing to order from us, with Royal Mail any excess tariff charges are paid at point of purchase, this insures our customers have no nasty customs costs, we are here to answering any questions you may have, thank you, Kirsty
A Victorian Iris opalescent Vaseline glass Epergne, Made in Stourbridge England, circa 1880.
This amazing Epergne is inspired by the shape of an Iris, with a central floral trumpet, surrounded by three trumpet flutes, all fitting snugly into a scalloped bowl base.
The Iris flower's long, sword-like leaves, arching stems, and undulating petals naturally matched the movement’s love for whip-lash curves, organic asymmetry, and flowing plant forms. 19th-century trade with Japan introduced Edo-period screen paintings and woodblock prints, where irises by water were a favored subject. Art Nouveau designers translated this graphic, flat-patterned elegance into Western decorative arts.
Once practical tableware in 18th-century France, epergnes evolved into extravagant Victorian centerpieces. Early silver versions held sweets and condiments, but by the 19th century delicate glass flutes transformed them into decorative displays for flowers or candles. Their ornate designs flourished until the Arts and Crafts movement, which favored simplicity over ornament, brought their fashion to an end.
Fantastic condition to the glass, no chips, cracks or repairs.
Fantastic bright glow under UV blacklight, truly a centre piece for any glass collector. note: images taken with UV light torch, 395nm wavelength.
Total Height when assembled 45 x Width 26 at widest point when assembled cm
All items are sensitively and minimally cleaned
Any questions please don't hesitate to drop me a message. I am very happy to pass on any additional information, or images you may need, if you are interested in more than one item I can arrange a combined postage price. Many thanks.
All items will be packaged using recycled or reused materials to help minimise any environmental impact.
Please be aware that you are purchasing a vintage item. We mention any obvious defects to the glass such as chips, cracks, etc. in our description but there may also be minor manufacturing faults eg. marks from the mould, straw marks and air bubbles, which is normal for glass of this era.
We offer complimentary Insurance cover with this item, the price of the shipping reflects the complexity of packing such a complicated item, but please be assured were are very experienced in shipping delicate glass internationally.
Just a quick note to all our American customers, we are up to speed on all the new import tariff changes, please feel confident with continuing to order from us, with Royal Mail any excess tariff charges are paid at point of purchase, this insures our customers have no nasty customs costs, we are here to answering any questions you may have, thank you, Kirsty