Antique German Kugel Grape Cluster Large Decoration — Clear | c.1900

Antique German Kugel Grape Cluster Large Decoration — Clear | c.1900

An exceptionally striking, authentic late-Victorian German glass hanging decoration, hand-blown in the iconic figural grape cluster form by historic regional glass artisans.

The body features a beautifully executed, heavy furnace-blown glass structure in a luminous clear finish. Unlike its silvered counterparts, the clear colourway allows light to pass directly through the glass, beautifully highlighting the primitive, hand-crafted optical qualities and internal characteristics that defined the late-19th-century European holiday arts movement.

This specific piece represents a rare survival in holiday design history. While most antique grape Kugels measure between 3 and 6 inches, oversized variants reaching this monumental scale were produced in strictly limited quantities, making it an extraordinary, statement-sized addition for serious collectors.

Maker's Marks & Structural Details

The apex and internal cavity of the decoration carry exceptional period manufacturing characteristics, showing its rich industrial heritage:

• Hanging Cap: Authentic, period-correct grey white-metal/zinc alloy cap featuring an embossed, radiating stylised leaf pattern.
• Suspension Loop: A thick, crude iron wire hanging ring looping deeply through the cap, designed to bear the substantial weight of this heavy, solid glass piece.
• Internal Pontil Scar: Visible inside the upper structure is a rough, square-shaped glass fracture — the original, authentic pontil mark left when the master glassblower detached the molten cluster from the iron blowpipe over a century ago.
• Era: Crafted in Germany circa 1890–1910.

Specifications

• Material: Hand-blown thick furnace-crafted clear glass
• Form: Figural Grape Cluster
• Length: 26cm (approx. 10.5")
• Widest Diameter: Approx. 16cm (approx. 6.3")
• Weight: Heavy, substantial display piece (approx. 1,100g)
• Colourway: Clear Transparent / Unsilvered

Condition

Good, honest antique condition with exceptional historic character. We believe in total transparency so you know exactly what you are buying:

• Glass Flake / Sliver: There is a small, shallow sliver of missing glass measuring approximately 1cm across one of the moulded grapes near the upper section (clearly highlighted in our close-up photography). This is an open external flake typical of handled holiday glass of this age — entirely stable and does not impact the structural integrity of the heavy body.
• Layered Structural Seal: The neck joint features signs of historical stabilisation, displaying layers of period adhesive over the original seal. This was done historically to reinforce the bond between the heavy glass body and the metal cap, ensuring it remains secure for display.
• Internal Glass Characteristics: The transparent glass body contains beautiful, primitive internal white flecks and minute kiln detritus embedded within the glass wall from the original turn-of-the-century firing process.

Please inspect all photographs closely — especially the macro shots detailing the upper glass flake — to verify condition details before purchasing. The item pictured is the exact piece you will receive.

What's Included

• Antique German Kugel Grape Cluster Large Decoration, c.1900
• Premium black gift box with protective tissue packaging

Shipping

Sent via premium courier service — fully tracked, insured, double-boxed, and signature required on delivery.