Magnificent Victorian Pink Opalescent & UV-Reactive Glass Epergne Centerpiece – Attributed c. 1885 – 23.75"
Magnificent Victorian Pink Opalescent & UV-Reactive Glass Epergne Centerpiece – Attributed c. 1885 – 23.75"
An extraordinary Victorian-style glass masterpiece that transforms from delicate pastel elegance into a brilliant fluorescent spectacle under ultraviolet light!
This breathtaking 23.75-inch glass epergne is a remarkable example of the elaborate floral artistry associated with late-19th-century English glassmaking. Attributed to the Victorian period, circa 1885, this magnificent centerpiece combines romantic pink opalescence, soft lavender-blue hues, and luminous yellow-green glass into an exceptionally ornate and captivating display.
Rising gracefully from a large, beautifully scalloped glass bowl, the centerpiece features a dramatic central trumpet vase surrounded by smaller, outward-facing floral trumpets. Each trumpet blossoms into an intricately crimped, petal-like rim, with delicate blush-pink interiors melting into ethereal lavender and milky-blue opalescence. The ruffled edges shimmer with translucent yellow-green glass, creating a striking contrast against the softer pastel colors.
Elaborate applied glass vines spiral around the trumpets, while gracefully curled glass canes and textured decorative elements add movement, dimension, and extraordinary visual interest. The entire arrangement resembles a magnificent bouquet of exotic glass flowers frozen in time.
A Spectacular Transformation Under Blacklight
Perhaps the most mesmerizing feature of this exceptional epergne is its remarkable ultraviolet fluorescence. Under ordinary lighting, the glass displays a sophisticated palette of delicate pink, lavender, opalescent white, and pale yellow-green. When illuminated by ultraviolet blacklight, the green glass accents erupt into an intense, electric neon-green glow, dramatically outlining the ruffled flower petals, spiraling decorations, and scalloped bowl.
The vivid fluorescence is consistent with uranium-containing glass, although its exact composition has not been independently verified. Photographs are provided under both normal lighting and ultraviolet illumination to showcase this extraordinary effect.
Traditional Glass and Brass Construction
The individual glass trumpets are mounted in brass-colored sleeves that slide into a central socket assembly, reflecting the traditional removable construction associated with elaborate Victorian epergnes. The glass is secured within the sleeves using a hardened setting compound.
The large, deeply scalloped bowl provides a stunning foundation, echoing the floral trumpets with its softly opalescent interior and intricately textured, UV-reactive rim.
Victorian Period Attribution – Circa 1885
This epergne closely resembles an English Victorian glass centerpiece offered by Antiques4EU through SellingAntiques and attributed to circa 1885. The comparable example features closely related glasswork, decorative styling, proportions, and an approximately 23.75-inch height.
Based on these similarities, this piece is provisionally attributed to the late Victorian period, circa 1885. Its precise manufacturing date, country of origin, and glassmaker have not been independently authenticated.
Piece Details
Height: Approximately 23.75 inches
Period: Attributed to the late Victorian era, circa 1885
Origin: Possibly English
Style: Victorian floral epergne centerpiece
Glass Colors: Blush pink, lavender-blue, milky white opalescence, and translucent yellow-green
UV Reaction: Brilliant fluorescent neon-green under ultraviolet blacklight
Design: Tall central floral trumpet, smaller ruffled trumpets, applied spiral vines, curled glass decorations, and large scalloped bowl
Construction: Removable glass trumpets with individual brass-colored sleeve fittings
Maker: Unidentified
Condition: Please examine all photographs for condition and completeness
A Truly Spectacular Collector's Centerpiece
With its impressive height, intricate floral composition, delicate opalescent colors, and breathtaking ultraviolet fluorescence, this epergne is far more than an ordinary decorative glass centerpiece. It is a dazzling statement piece that commands attention from every angle.
Whether displayed in a Victorian-inspired interior, an antique glass collection, or a dedicated UV-reactive glass display, this extraordinary epergne offers timeless beauty by daylight and an unforgettable illuminated presentation under blacklight.
An exceptional opportunity to acquire an elaborate Victorian-style glass centerpiece with remarkable visual presence and collector appeal.