Satin Glass Vase with Blue Watercolour Décor and Gilt Rim, Probably France, 24 cm, c. 1910–30

This mouth-blown vase of acid-etched satin glass carries a décor in sky blue and cobalt that recalls watercolour painting or drifting clouds. The colour lies on the glass in soft, cloud-like areas and has run out at the edges into fine, darker contour lines, creating a lively, marble-like pattern. It covers the entire body and neck and continues on the inside of the mouth; where light passes through the paler areas, the glass appears delicately translucent.

The ovoid body tapers down to a plain base and rises into a short, waisted neck that opens into a wide, flared mouth with a ruffled rim. The rim is outlined with a gilt line, and two parallel gold bands encircle the shoulder. No clear maker's mark or signature can be identified; on the shoulder there is only a faint grey trace that may be a faded mark but is not legible. Satin-finished decorative vases with ruffled gilt rims and gold bands belong to the repertoire of French glassworks such as Legras in Saint-Denis in the early 20th century. Form, décor and workmanship point to this tradition, but a firm attribution is not possible, which is why the vase is described here as probably French and made around 1910 to 1930.

With a few fresh flowers or on its own on a mantelpiece, sideboard or windowsill, the blue décor shows to its best advantage, and the vase suits classic interiors as well as a collection of vintage glass from the Belle Époque and Art Deco periods. It is in very good condition, without chips, cracks or hairline cracks; the gilding is fully intact and shows only minimal, age-related wear on the rim. The vase is 24 cm high and has a diameter of 15 cm.