Victorian Bristol Cobalt Decanter

Throughout the 18th century, the city of Bristol was renowned for the manufacture of glass, both window glass and flint, otherwise known as lead crystal. In the latter half of the century, a Bristol pottery merchant embarked on a search for high-quality smalt, a pigment created by melting cobalt oxide with quartz sand and potash. While his original intent was to enhance the production of blue and white porcelain, this superfine smalt revolutionized the region's glass industry. Soon arriving in plentiful supply, local makers began experimenting with the mineral, adding it to lead crystal which created a striking and distinctive blue glass. This glass became known as Bristol Blue. 

As the quality and beauty of this striking glass swiftly gained popularity, more than 60 glass houses set up shop in the city. Producing over 50% of the bottles and window glass for Britain as well as extensive exports, Bristol's golden era of glassmaking declined following the First World War.

Recently arrived in shop, this Victorian Bristol Cobalt Decanter is a lovely example of the intensely hued Bristol style. Crafted in a pear-shaped form also known as 'mallet,' this sleek shape traces its origin to the 18th century, when it was named after a hammer mallet due to its slender neck and heavy bottomed, smooth-sided silhouette. With its original finial ground into a well-fitting stopper, this handsome decanter promises to make a stunning addition to your decorative barware or historic glass collection.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good antique condition. 12.25"H with stopper x 5" at widest point. Stopper measures 3.25"H x 2"W.