Lovely antique bottle in uranium glass, dating from the 1900s, with a curvilinear silhouette and faceted stopper.
Probably made in Bohemia, this bright green glass has the particularity of phosphorescing under UV light, a highly sought-after characteristic by collectors.
💡 Characteristics
• Period: circa 1900
• Origin: Central Europe (Bohemia)
• Height: 10 cm, without stopper 6 cm, base diameter 4 cm, weight 65 g.
• Antique uranium glass, slightly radioactive (safe for decorative use)
• In very good condition, matching stopper present
• Intense fluorescence under UV
Uranium glass, also called vaseline glass, is glass colored with uranium oxides. This process gives a shade ranging from light green to lemon yellow. One of its most remarkable characteristics is that it becomes fluorescent under ultraviolet (UV) light, emitting an intense green glow.
The use of uranium in glass dates back to 1830, with the chemist Martin Klaproth who discovered uranium in 1789. But it was especially in the 19th century that uranium glass gained popularity, particularly in Bohemia (current Czech Republic) and England. Production reached its peak during the Victorian era (1837-1901), where it was prized for decorative objects such as vases, bowls, and also perfume bottles. Production declined after World War II, notably due to concerns related to radioactivity (although the level in these objects is very low and safe for normal use).
This uranium glass, also called "vaseline glass," becomes fluorescent under ultraviolet light due to the properties of uranium. It is harmless in this use, but it gives glass pieces a unique glow, highly prized aesthetically.
This type of bottle is highly sought after by collectors, especially with the current popularity of uranium glass. It combines Belle Époque elegance with the scientific curiosity of fluorescent glass.
The base of this beautiful bottle is star-cut, its baluster-shaped body has 6 edges, the neck is rounded and the stopper is pointed.
The bottle is in very good condition: the neck and the ground stopper are in perfect condition (there are just a few micro-roughnesses on the edges and on the base, barely visible but slightly perceptible to the touch).
It's a delightful display item!
🎁 A unique collector's item, ideal for a perfume display case or a collection of curiosities.
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