Art Deco Czech Black Glass and Silver Overlay Bird Vases, 1930, Set of 2

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Opaque black glass forms the foundation of this matched pair of small Art Deco vases, shaped with slender cylindrical necks … Read more Opaque black glass forms the foundation of this matched pair of small Art Deco vases, shaped with slender cylindrical necks that taper gently downwards before expanding into broad, stable footed bases. The glass exhibits a rich, high-gloss jet-black finish that provides a deep, reflective surface, creating maximum tonal contrast against the metallic decoration. Each vase is ornamented with applied silver overlay, featuring an open-beaked songbird perched upon slender branches bearing leaves and small flower blossoms. Fine linear etching gives distinct feather-like texture to the breast and wings of each bird, while polished silver forms the stems and foliage. Matching horizontal silver bands encircle both the top rim and the lower circumference of the foot, cleanly framing the botanical composition. Produced in Czechoslovakia around 1930, these vases exemplify the interwar Bohemian penchant for sleek, graphic Art Deco decorative objects. Bohemian glassworks of the period were renowned for their expertise in opaque black glass, often referred to as hyalith glass, which they frequently paired with electro-deposited silver overlay to produce stylish, contemporary accent pieces for modern interiors. Each vase measures approximately 14 cm in height. The undersides are ground flat with shallow, polished circular indentations at the centres, consistent with traditional hand-finished mouth-blown glassmaking. Both vessels remain completely unmarked, which is entirely consistent with the commercial production methods of Czechoslovakian export glassware from this era. See less