An Exceptional Regency Diamond Cut Lidded Compote c1825

Description

Heading : A regency broad fluted fine diamond cut lidded bowl 
Period : Regency
Origin : Ireland/England 
Colour : Clear
Bowl : Ovoid. broad fluted with alternating pillars of fine diamonds and clear domed panels
Stem : Slice cut pedestal with half knop
Foot : Terraced. The underside with a radial pattern of alternating spokes of strawberry diamonds and mitre cut clear panels
Pontil : Cut
Glass Type : Lead
Size :  17cm height. 11cm diameter rim. 8.5 cm diameter base
Condition : Excellent no chips or cracks
Restoration : None
Weight: 1686 grams

This exceptional covered bowl is of either English or Irish provenance. We have found similar designs from the Waterford glasshouse in Ireland and both Davenport and John Blades in England along with other glasshouses from the period.

The broad fluted style combined with fine diamonds became fashionable in the regency period. Steam power was first introduced into glass manufactories in Ireland around 1818 ( and earlier in England) . This promoted a much more consistent and accurate cut than was previously achieved when cutting wheels were powered by water or human means.

The precision and detail exhibited on this glass is a testament the the innovations enabled by the advent of steam power. This is an exemplar of one of the double edged swords of the industrial revolution. On the one hand it demonstrates the increased accuracy and speed with which products could manufactured. On the other hand mechanisation reduced demand for labour at a time when the country was in crisis following the economic boom cretaed by the Napoleonic wars.

References :

For Waterford examples: Irish Glass by Phelps Warren Pl. 149. 260-262                                                            

For similar patterned Davenport piece see Nineteenth Century British Glass by Hugh Wakefield Pl 9b

Davenport bowl:  https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/13434/lot/159/