Two handled vase: C.253-2015

Titles

Two handled vase

Maker(s)

Factory: J & L Lobmeyr (Kärntnerstrasse)

Entities

• Vase
• Flask

Categories

• Glass

Description

Glass vase decorated with enamels and gold

Vase or flask made of thick, clear mould-blown glass with compressed globular body, cylindrical flared neck, short splayed foot and two small applied loop handles. The shape resembles that of a mosque lamp. Decorated with a band of Kufic script around the shoulder, in off-white, and bands of stylized carnations around the body and neck, in white, turquoise, cobalt blue and dark blue enamels. On the front a reserved leaf-shaped panel outlined in gold and containing the initials E L, entwined, in turqoise-green. On the reverse a similar panel containing a spray of carnations with dark red flowers. There are bands of gold around the neck and foot and two small bands of gold on each handle.

Notes

History note: Edith Bulwer Lytton (1841-1936), wife of 1st Earl of Lytton; by descent to vendor; Willingham Auction, (near Cambridge) 28 March 2015, lot 1626

Legal notes

Given by the Friends of the Fitzwilliam Museum

Place(s) associated

• Vienna

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Given (2015-04-27) by The Friends of the Fitzwilliam Museum

Dating

19th Century, Late#
Production date: AD 1877

Note

Further examples of this vase are in the Kunstgewerbemuseum, Dresden, inv. no. 8179, and the Nottingham Castle Museum, inv. NCM 1879-49.

J & L Lobmeyr is a family owned glassworks based in Vienna. Founded in 1823, it is still operating today. Lobmeyr creations are renowned for their elegance and exquisite craftsmanship. In 1883 Lobmeyr delivered the first electric chandelier to Vienna’s imperial palace. Today the company offers both contemporary designs and archive-inspired creations, frequently collaborating with leading artists, architects and designers.

This vase was presented to Edith Bulwer-Lytton, Countess of Lytton (1841-1936), at the Delhi Durbar in 1877 . Her laced initials, 'E L' are prominently inscribed on the front. The vase then passed through the family to her great great grand-daughter, from whom it was acquired. Edith Lytton was married to the first Viceroy of India, Robert Bulwer-Lytton, the Earl of Lytton. The Delhi Durbar, held over several weeks from 1 January 1877, was held to proclaim Queen Victoria as Empress of India. Lytton was the senior British representative at the event, which marked completion of the transfer of control from the British East India Company to the Crown, as the Queen was not present.

School or Style

Victorian