Pair of “Gorge de Pigeon” Opaline Vases, 19th Century

These pink, or “hydrangea,” opaline vases are adorned with a white serpent, its scales highlighted with gilding, coiling around the neck with its head raised. The upper rim, widely flared, is scalloped and accented with a fine gilt line. The bodies rest on a gilt torus base.

This distinctive and rare color, highly sought after by collectors, is known as gorge de pigeon or hortensia. It is achieved through the addition of gold salts to the glass paste.

Circa 1830–1840.
Height: 23.5 cm and 22.7 cm