Europe, Western or Lowlands, Renaissance to Early Modern Period, ca. 16th to 17th century CE. A beautiful bottle formed from cristallo glass displaying an octagonal base and straight walls that rise to a curved shoulder, a narrow neck, and a flared, circular rim, all sitting upon applied, raspberry prunt feet. Translucent turquoise and cristallo glass rigaree decorates the 6 corners of the vessel, each travelling vertically down the vase's tall body and pincered in 4 vertical and 3 to 4 horizontal parts with a waffle pattern, while an additional wavy band of cristall glass wraps horizontally around the narrow-most point of the neck. The bust of Saint Nicholas of Bari is painted in red, white, and black pigments on one face of the vase, while the remaining 5 faces feature tulips painted in hues of pale pink and olive green. Size: 1.75" in diameter x 4.8" H (4.4 cm x 12.2 cm)
Popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, this style of glass is named "Facon de Venise," which is French for "Venetian fashion" and refers to glass made in places other than Venice using the techniques that had been perfected there.
Nicholas, a Greek bishop of Myra, Anatolia in the 4th century and one of the most beloved saints of the church, who served as an intercessor, performing miracles of healing and rescue, has an interesting history. A strong opponent of the heretical bishop Arius at the Council of Nicaea, Nicholas, after slapping Arius in the face, was denied his holy insignia and tossed in jail. However, Christ and the Virgin appeared to him and gave him back his freedom and his episcopal office. Saint Nicholas is often portrayed as a staunch champion of the Christian faith, a defender against heresy, and a healer.
Provenance: ex-private Medford, New Jersey, USA collection
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#165933
Condition
Rough pontil scar on base. A pontil scar or mark indicates that a vessel was free-blown, while the absence of such a mark suggests that the work was either mold-blown or that the mark was intentionally smoothed away or wore away over time. Losses to bottom of 1 rigaree and 2 feet. Otherwise, excellent with nice remaining pigments.