Vase. Imperial Porcelain and Glass Factories. Russia, 1915

An elegant ball vase, created in 1915 at the Imperial Porcelain and Glass Factories, is an outstanding example of artistic glass of the early 20th century. Light brown glass, made using the blowing technique, is decorated with the finest carving, grinding and polishing, emphasizing the complexity and sophistication of the execution. The elegance of the form and the mastery of the surface treatment make this vase a true work of art, combining the traditions of the factory`s craftsmen with the new stylistic trends of the era. Hallmark: On the base is a carved mark H under the imperial crown and the date of manufacture 1915. Dimensions: Height: 9 cm. Diameter: 12 cm.A vase similar in execution technique is kept in the collection of the State Historical Museum, as well as in the State Hermitage. A similar product in terms of execution technique is published in the book: T.A. Malinina. Imperial Glass Factory of the 18th – early 20th Century. St. Petersburg, 2009.

Historical background: The Imperial Porcelain and Glass Factories were among the leading enterprises of the Russian Empire, specializing in the production of elite porcelain and glass. The factories were founded in the 18th century by decree of the Russian emperors with the aim of developing domestic production of the highest quality products that could compete with the best European samples. In the 19th – early 20th centuries, the workshops of the factories created unique works distinguished by the finest processing, artistic painting and refined decor. Particular attention was paid to experiments with new techniques and materials, which made it possible to achieve exceptional results in the creation of artistic glass. Products of the Imperial factories were delivered to the court, decorated palaces and were in demand among the aristocracy, and today they are part of the largest museum collections in the world.