Antique American Blue Opalescent Glass Footed Bowl, Early 20th Century

An antique American blue opalescent pressed-glass footed bowl dating to the early 20th century, distinguished by its luminous aqua-blue color and richly molded decoration. The rounded body is organized into a rhythmic arrangement of fan- and shell-like motifs outlined with delicate rows of raised glass beads. A dramatically crimped rim forms a crown of soft peaks above the bowl, while the radiating fluted foot gives the piece visual balance and an elegant architectural presence. The opalescent treatment becomes especially beautiful toward the upper edge, where the translucent blue shifts into a pale, milky glow and responds continually to changing daylight. Both ornamental and highly versatile, this bowl can serve as a striking centerpiece on a dining table, console or coffee table. It is equally effective filled with fruit, flowers or a collection of natural objects, and remains sculptural enough to display empty. Its cool color works beautifully in coastal and traditional interiors, yet the strong silhouette and graphic pressed pattern also provide contrast in a clean contemporary room. Pieces of early American opalescent glass are valued today for the combination of inventive moldwork, saturated color and light-catching texture that allows them to function as practical decorative objects as well as small works of glass design. The bowl is unmarked; no specific manufacturer is asserted.

Details

• 1stDibs reference: LU10969251180412
• Period: 1910-1919
• Date: 1910
• Origin: United States
• Materials: Glass
• Techniques: Molded, Pressed
• Style: Art Nouveau
• Dimensions: H 6 × Diameter 7 IN
• Condition: GOOD