A remarkable late 19th-century Bohemian uranium opaline glass vase, strongly attributed to the renowned Harrach glassworks of Neuwelt, beautifully hand decorated with a colorful songbird surrounded by flowers and foliage.
Dating to approximately 1870–1890, the vase is formed in an especially beautiful pale mint-green opaline glass. In ordinary light, the glass has a soft, almost celadon appearance. Under ultraviolet light, its uranium content produces an extraordinary brilliant green fluorescence, dramatically transforming the piece.
The decoration is entirely hand applied and wonderfully detailed. A finely painted songbird rests among an abundant botanical composition of flowering branches, berries and multicolored foliage. Raised enamel blossoms in pink, blue, white and yellow add dimension, while delicate linear detailing gives the surrounding vegetation an almost illustrated quality.
Harrach was one of the most important Bohemian glass manufacturers of the 19th century, celebrated for its technically sophisticated glass and elaborate enamel decoration. Bird and botanical motifs on colored and opaline grounds are particularly associated with the firm’s historicist and naturalistic production of the later 19th century.
The vase has a graceful baluster form with a gently flared neck and rounded foot, while the decoration extends around the body rather than appearing solely as a frontal composition.
A beautiful and highly decorative example of Victorian Bohemian opaline glass, combining the appeal of antique opaline, hand-painted decoration and exceptionally strong uranium fluorescence in a single piece.
Attributed to Harrach Glassworks, Neuwelt, Bohemia
Circa 1870–1890
Measurements: 9.2” H × approximately 4.7” W
Condition: Excellent antique condition with no chips or cracks observed. Any minor wear is consistent with age and the hand-decorated nature of the piece.
