Preliminary identification

Bohemian Cobalt Blue Cased Cut-to-Clear Glass Peacock Vase

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

An exquisite example of Bohemian cased art glass, featuring a rich cobalt blue layer cut back to clear crystal. The central motif showcases a magnificent, highly detailed intaglio-engraved peacock with its tail fully fanned, surrounded by delicate floral and geometric cuts.

Story

Centuries of Bohemian glassmaking tradition culminate in this striking vase. Master engravers used copper wheels to slice through the cobalt exterior, revealing the brilliant crystal underneath. The peacock's fan acts as a lens, multiplying the design through the cut facets on the reverse.

Maker / Origin

While unsigned, this piece represents the pinnacle of Bohemian glass artistry, a region renowned since the Renaissance for its high-lead crystal and pioneering staining techniques. Workshops like Egermann, founded in the 1800s, perfected the 'cut-to-clear' method, turning glass into a canvas for master engravers who trained for decades to perfect their touch.

Condition & Value

The vase appears to be in excellent condition with no visible chips, cracks, or deep scratches to the delicate cobalt casing. The cut edges look sharp and well-preserved. Excellent condition like this preserves the maximum value of the piece.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

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.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.