Viennese Rock Crystal and Silver Gilt Crane Tazza

This incredibly rare Viennese tazza, carved of rock crystal and adorned with gilded silver and jewels, takes the form of a graceful crane. From its individually etched feathers and serpent-wrapped beak to its body etched with Tritons and mermaids amongst scrolls, this creature exhibits the astounding carving and silver expertise characteristic of 19th-century Viennese artisans. Further adding to the vessel’s beauty and opulence is the inclusion of a silver-gilt Triton atop the detachable cover and vivid cabochon jewels across the bird’s form.

Rock crystal, or pure quartz, has been lauded for centuries for its inherent beauty. Ancient Roman Pliny the Elder found its clarity so impressive that he proclaimed it to be ice that had hardened permanently over millennia. When carved, rock crystal appears far more lustrous than man-made crystal or glass, so much so that it has even been used in place of diamonds. Its brilliance and purity, combined with its relative scarcity, secured rock crystal’s status as one of the most highly valued minerals throughout history. It was particularly prized during the 18th and 19th centuries when it was one of the most precious and expensive materials used in the decorative arts. 

Circa 1880

8 3/4" wide x 4 1/2" deep x 12" high