A particularly fine small 19th-century Murano glass jug, probably by Salviati Dott. Antonio, dating approximately c.1875–1890, probably around 1880.
The softly waisted body is beautifully formed in translucent pale green glass, with an elegant drawn/applied handle and a distinctive projecting pouring lip. The rim and handle are formed in contrasting amber/golden-coloured glass, giving the piece a particularly sophisticated appearance.
The body is decorated with incorporated gold leaf, creating an irregular, crackled and fragmented gilded effect beneath the glass surface. Some areas of the original gold decoration have naturally faded or diminished with age, adding to its antique character.
The construction is entirely consistent with high-quality late-19th-century Venetian glassmaking, including the delicate hand-applied handle and button-snap pontil to the base.
Measurements:
Height including handle: 13.5cm
Maximum body diameter: 8.5cm
Base diameter: 7cm
Mouth diameter: 5.4cm
Overall width including spout: 6.8cm
Weight: 328g
Good antique condition. The glass itself is sound, with no obvious cracks or repairs. The applied gold decoration shows areas of wear, fading and loss consistent with age.
Attribution: Salviati Dott. Antonio, Murano, Venice, circa 1875–1890, circa 1880. The attribution is based on the form, colour combination, workmanship and especially the use of gold decoration, with documented Salviati jug forms of closely comparable date.
A very attractive and unusually small example of the sophisticated Renaissance-revival Venetian glass produced by Salviati during the late 19th century.