Imperial Russian Single Stem Vase, in "Caramel" Glass, Hand Blown, circa late XIX - early XX century.
Very tall and slender, flute shape, in caramel colored glass, with elegantly cut ridges. Stands 19 ¼" tall, the foot is square, about 3 ½ x 3 ½". In Russia, single-stem vases of this shape are called "bertz" among connoisseurs, seemingly from their similarity in shape to a "bertzovaya kost" (tibia), but that is not a proven fact. They continued to be mass produced in the Soviet Union up to 1960s, perhaps even 1970s.
However, there is a distinctive difference between the Imperial Russian and Soviet bertz vases. As they evolved, the design of their foot was somewhat simplified. It is still a square, with the 4 ridges flowing down to end as "claws", and with the facet between them running in a straight line. However, the Imperial vases have better defined and more pronounced "claws" because the edge of the facets between them is more recessed and rounded, as if "tucked in". Also, even though we have not tested this precisely, using appropriate tools, it appears visually that the clarity of the glass mass is better in Imperial vases.
In very good to excellent condition. The lip of the vase features two minuscule and barely visible chips. The foot has acquired a few tiny and light scuffs and scratches, also hardly noticeable. None of this wear is really detractive.
Please note that the pen in our photo is for size reference.
Item# 41034
$250.00 Add to cart