Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller.

Pair of Ruby-Stained Bohemian Cut Crystal Decanters, 1890s

$1,086
£795
€971.77
CA$1,518.64
A$1,546.40
CHF 894.80
MX$20,391.56
NOK 10,005.42
SEK 10,652.94
DKK 7,262.77

About the Item

During the 19th century, Bohemia established itself as one of Europe's foremost centres for artistic glass production. Workshops across the region became renowned for their technical innovation, producing finely cut crystal distinguished by its clarity, brilliance, and sophisticated decorative treatments. Among the most celebrated techniques was ruby overlay, in which a thin layer of coloured glass was fused over clear crystal before being cut away to reveal contrasting patterns beneath. This demanding process allowed craftsmen to combine rich colour with intricate engraving and wheel-cut decoration, resulting in objects of exceptional refinement. Ruby overlay glass became particularly fashionable during the Victorian period, often employed to enhance classical motifs and elegant tablewares intended for both domestic use and export throughout Europe and beyond. This elegant pair of Bohemian decanters exemplifies the technical mastery and decorative sophistication for which the region's glasshouses became famous. Tall and graceful in proportion, each decanter features a slender neck rising from a broad circular foot, creating a refined silhouette suited to the formal dining table and drinks cabinet alike. The bodies are formed from clear crystal overlaid with a vibrant layer of ruby glass, which has been meticulously wheel-cut to reveal alternating floral panels and decorative borders beneath. A continuous Greek key band encircles the shoulder of each decanter, echoed by a second band at the base of the neck. These geometric motifs provide a pleasing contrast to the softer foliate ornament, balancing classical restraint with Victorian exuberance. The original stoppers survive with the pair and are equally impressive in their execution. Hollow-blown and finished with stepped finials, they carry matching ruby overlays cut with the same precision and clarity as the decanter bodies, creating a harmonious and complete ensemble. The combination of stylised foliage, classical Greek key ornament, and rich ruby colouring reflects the enduring influence of Neoclassical design during the late 19th century. Their quality of cutting, elegant proportions, and decorative vocabulary are consistent with documented examples produced by leading Bohemian firms such as Harrach and Meyr's Neffe, both celebrated for their luxurious overlay crystal. Equally striking as decorative objects and functional tablewares, these decanters capture the brilliance and artistry of the golden age of Bohemian glassmaking. Their rich colour, crisp cutting, and matched presentation make them highly appealing to collectors of fine European crystal. Condition Both decanters remain in very good overall condition. The stoppers have small chips to the pegs, and there is light rubbing to areas of the ruby overlay consistent with age and careful use. Otherwise, the crystal retains its excellent clarity and brilliance, with no structural damage noted. We ship internationally, tracked and insured.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 14.57 in (37 cm)Diameter: 3.94 in (10 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1890s
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Nottingham, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU9003250537082

More From This Seller

View All
Rare Pair Antique c.1890 Loetz “Rosa Chine” Claret Jugs Ewers

Rare Pair Antique c.1890 Loetz “Rosa Chine” Claret Jugs Ewers

Located in Nottingham, GB

An exceptionally rare and beautiful pair of antique Loetz claret jugs, attributed to the celebrated Bohemian glassworks and dating to approximately c.1890. A superb collector’s pair ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Barware

Materials

Glass

Pair of Bohemian Moser Ruby Cut-to-Clear Gilt Glass Goblets, circa 1840

Pair of Bohemian Moser Ruby Cut-to-Clear Gilt Glass Goblets, circa 1840

Located in Nottingham, GB

A rare and highly decorative pair of mid-19th-century Bohemian ruby cut-to-clear glass goblets, dating to circa 1840 and displaying the elaborate cutting, gilding and architectural p...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Glass

Materials

Glass

Vintage Stuart Cadogan Cut Crystal Claret Jug Decanter, England, 1980s

Vintage Stuart Cadogan Cut Crystal Claret Jug Decanter, England, 1980s

Located in Nottingham, GB

An exceptional vintage Stuart Crystal “Cadogan” claret jug, produced in England between 1979 and 1984 and displaying the exceptionally intricate cutting associated with this disconti...

Category

Mid-20th Century Crystal Serveware

Materials

Crystal

Pair of Beyer West German Cobalt Cut-to-Clear Lead Crystal Decanters, 1960s

Pair of Beyer West German Cobalt Cut-to-Clear Lead Crystal Decanters, 1960s

Located in Nottingham, GB

A superb pair of mid-century Beyer Echt Bleikristall wine or spirits decanters, handcrafted in West Germany circa 1960 and retaining their original matching crystal stoppers. Each s...

Category

Mid-20th Century Crystal Serveware

Materials

Crystal

Pair Antique Richardson Webb Thistle Cut Glass Decanters English circa 1890

Pair Antique Richardson Webb Thistle Cut Glass Decanters English circa 1890

Located in Nottingham, GB

A superb pair of antique English thistle-form cut glass decanters, dating to the late Victorian or Edwardian period, circa 1890–1910, and attributed to the Stourbridge glassmaking tr...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Crystal Serveware

Materials

Glass

You May Also Like

19th Century Pair Egermann Bohemian Czech Ruby Glass Decanters

19th Century Pair Egermann Bohemian Czech Ruby Glass Decanters

By Friedrich Egermann

Located in Dublin 8, IE

19th Century pair Egermann Bohemian Czech ruby glazed and engraved glass decanters, of tall slender form, cut to clear, complete with original firm fitting stoppers. The pair feature Egermann’s popular deer and castle...

Category

Antique 19th Century Czech Glass

Materials

Glass

A Pair of Late 19th Century Red Cut Glass Spirit Decanters

A Pair of Late 19th Century Red Cut Glass Spirit Decanters

Located in London, GB

A fine pair of late 19th century red spirit decanters, of faceted form, engraved with grape vine decoration. Retaining their original stoppers.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Glass

Materials

Glass, Cut Glass

Pair Vintage Bohemian Gilt and Enameled Ruby Red Glass Decanters

Pair Vintage Bohemian Gilt and Enameled Ruby Red Glass Decanters

Located in New York, NY

Pair of vintage Bohemian ruby red glass decanters with gilt and enameled decorations, each 18 3/4 inches tall and in good condition.

Category

Early 20th Century Czech Glass

Materials

Glass

Bohemian Crystal Ruby Decanters with Wine Leaves, 1920s. Set of 2.

Bohemian Crystal Ruby Decanters with Wine Leaves, 1920s. Set of 2.

Located in Asaa, DK

Bohemian Crystal Ruby Decanters with Wine Leaves, 1920s. Set of 2. Pair of Czech Bohemian clear glass decanters with original firm fitting stoppers. Red decorations with grapes and...

Category

Vintage 1920s Czech Bohemian Crystal Serveware

Materials

Crystal