Early 20th-Century Silver Overlay Glass Tazza, Gilt-Rimmed Footed Compote, c. 1910s–1930s
Viridian Eclection
The Piece
An early twentieth century glass tazza in a shallow footed form, with gilt banding and an ornate silver overlay border around the rim.
The piece is defined by its restraint. A low pedestal base, a flared bowl and delicate gilt rings give it a graceful silhouette, while the raised silver overlay border introduces a layer of old world ornament without overwhelming the glass.
The rim carries scrolling foliate detail and shield like cartouches, which resolve into a lace like pattern seen from above or held to direct light. The clear glass body catches shadow and reflection, and the decorative rim lends a formal, almost ceremonial edge to a light, architectural object.
History & Provenance
The maker is unknown. No mark or signature is recorded, and the attribution rests on material and idiom.
The piece appears to be clear glass with gilt banding and applied silver overlay decoration, a combination current in the decorative glass trade of the early twentieth century, which places it circa 1910s to 1930s.
Condition is consistent with age and use, and the wear itself is part of the record. The gilt shows the expected rubbing and the silver overlay has areas of patina, darkening and minor loss, the ordinary history of applied silver on glass.
Product Details
| Object | Footed compote or tazza |
| Era | Early twentieth century, c. 1910s to 1930s |
| Maker | Unknown |
| Materials | Clear glass with gilt banding and silver overlay decoration |
| Form | Shallow flared bowl on a low pedestal foot |
| Decoration | Scrolling foliate silver overlay border with shield like cartouches, and gilt rings |
| Dimensions | To be confirmed |
| Condition | Consistent with age and use. Light surface wear to the glass, expected rubbing to the gilt details, and areas of patina, darkening and minor loss to the silver overlay. No major structural damage is visible |
Why It Belongs in Your Home
This is a small scale statement piece with genuine atmosphere. The silver overlay catches light well, and the low footed shape gives it enough structure to stand alone without needing to be filled or heavily styled.
Use it for wrapped candies, jewelry, keys, matchbooks or dried citrus, or leave it empty where the light can move through it.
It works as a table centerpiece, a vanity catchall, an entryway vessel, or a quiet decorative object on a shelf or console.
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Private viewings also available.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
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