Pair of Hortensia opaline vases, 19th century.

These pink or hydrangea opaline vases are decorated with a white serpent whose scales are painted with gilding, coiled with its head raised around the neck. The upper rim, broadly flared, is scalloped and edged with a gilt line. Their bodies rest on a gilt torus. This particular and rare colour, highly sought after by collectors, is known as pigeon's throat or hydrangea; it is achieved by the addition of gold salts to the glass paste.
Circa 1830–1840.
Height 23.5 cm and 22.7 cm