Antique Cameo Glass Floral Footed Bowl attributed to Webb / Stourbridge, 1900

Details

Description

Crisply carved opaque white flower blossom sprays and veined foliage stand out in relief against the rich cranberry red body … Read more Crisply carved opaque white flower blossom sprays and veined foliage stand out in relief against the rich cranberry red body of this globular glass bowl. The circular aperture at the top opens into a spherical form supported on three substantial moulded clear-frosted feet, which elevate the base and provide stable footing. Crafted using the cameo casing method, an interior gather of translucent cranberry glass is layered beneath a dense white outer skin, which was selectively etched and cut back to produce the botanical decoration. The leaves and petals display delicate surface hatching that lends texture and depth to the flowering sprigs as they travel around the circumference. In passing light, the deep ruby-toned background imparts a vivid contrast to the matte white overlay. Unmarked, this piece dates to around 1900, at the transition between late Victorian and early Edwardian decorative glassmaking. The design, balance, and carving technique align closely with Stourbridge workshops of the period, most notably Thomas Webb & Sons and contemporary regional makers who specialised in English cameo glass. The bowl measures 16 cm in height and 15 cm in width. It survives in excellent antique order, showing no chips, cracks, or restorations, with only minimal surface friction wear underneath the tips of the feet from normal display. See less