Bohemian Enamelled And Gilt Crystal Bonbonnière For The Ottoman Market, 19th Century

A spherical bonbonnière in yellow-green tinted crystal, with a domed lid topped by a multi-lobed knob handle, featuring moulded and cut decoration of cross-hatches and flat ribs, and richly hand-painted with polychrome enamels and gilded highlights depicting floral medallions, foliage and blue cabochons.
Bohemia (for the Ottoman/Middle Eastern market). 19th century.
H_12.5 cm.
In good overall condition

In the 19th century and the early 20th century, Bohemian glassworks exported their creations extensively to the East, particularly to the Ottoman Empire and Qajar Persia. These cut crystal bottles, characterised by exuberant enamelled decoration combining gold, blue and floral motifs, were perfectly suited to the refined aesthetic of tableware and toiletries at Eastern courts.

Our Bohemian crystal bottle, which forms part of the rich tradition of glassware produced for export to the East, bears witness to the skill of Central European designers in adapting their craftsmanship to the tastes and customs of the Ottoman and Persian markets.