Overview
This is a 'bonbonniere' or decorative apothecary jar, characterized by its elegant, elongated stem and organic, bulbous bowl. It represents a mid-century fascination with elevating everyday storage into sculptural art for the home.
Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a 'bonbonniere' or decorative apothecary jar, characterized by its elegant, elongated stem and organic, bulbous bowl. It represents a mid-century fascination with elevating everyday storage into sculptural art for the home.
Story
The apothecary jar began its life in the 18th century as a strictly functional vessel for chemists to store herbs and powders, but by the mid-20th century, it had been completely reimagined as a height-defying piece of decor.
Maker / Origin
While this piece lacks a visible signature, it follows the high-quality tradition of glass houses in Krosno, Poland, or the Murano islands of Venice.
Condition & Value
The glass appears remarkably clear with no visible 'clouding' or mineral deposits. The lid and finial seem intact; however, the thinness of the stem makes it vulnerable to stress fractures. The presence of the original lid significantly preserves its value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Regional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375