Pair French Vases Mid-19th Century Opaline Hand Painted on a Sky Blue Ground

A lovely pair of 19th century opaline vases with hand painted flowers. Individually hand-painted each with a bouquet of peonies, tulips, and other flowers on a light blue ground. The glass is slightly translucent as opaline should be. Background of Opaline: Opaline is a form of decorative glassware which was at its most popular during the reign of Napoleon 3rd (1852-1870). Manufacture was almost entirely French, although it was inspired by Venetian Milk Glass. The earliest colors used were turquoise blue, yellow, and pink (the latter not produced after 1840). In the mid-19th century, opaline was made in more vivid colors. Sky blue, the color of our vases was invented in Bohemia in 1835 and was first copied in France at Baccarat and Saint-Louis about 1843. The main centers of production were Creusot, Baccarat, and Saint-Louis. Items made of opaline included bowls, vases, boxes, cups, and decanters as well as objects used by perfumers and hairdressers.                                                       Dimensions:  H 11 in. x Dm 5.5 in. Condition: Excellent. Slight wear to gilt.                                                                                                                                                             Price: $480   We offer FREE shipping to the continental United States. For orders shipping outside the continental US, please email [email protected] for a shipping quote. Buyer Protection Guarantee: your purchase will arrive as described. Questions? Contact us.