"Pair Of Opal Crystal Vases With Pigeon's Throat Design, 19th Century."
These pink or hydrangea opaline vases are decorated with a white serpent, its scales painted in gilt, coiled head-up around the neck. The wide, flared upper rim is scalloped and edged with a gilt band. Their bodies rest on a gilt torus. This distinctive and rare color, sought after by collectors, is called "pigeon's throat" or "hydrangea" and is obtained by adding gold salt to the opaline clay. Circa 1830-1840. Height 23.5 cm and 22.7 cm