Pair of Russian ormolu mounted ruby cut glass vases

These beautiful Russian vases are made from ruby glass and finished with ormolu bases, handles, and rims. The form of the vases is classically inspired, loosely modelled on the Greek amphora. On each, the circular ormolu base is moulded with acanthus leaves, with a similar leafy design around the rim of the top, and the handles take the form of an elongated eagle’s neck and head.

'Gold Ruby', or cranberry glass, as it is called, is created by adding large quantities of gold to the molten glass. The process results in a strong red colour that is full of light, like a ruby. The glass on the main body of the vases has been cut into a series of flutes and facets which further capture and manipulate the light in beautiful ways.