Rare Richardson's 'Horse Chestnut Leaf' Vaseline Glass Vase c1890

This beautiful vase is in the well known and highly sort after Horse Chestnut Leaf pattern by the old Stourbridge glassmaker Richardsons. Originally made for contemporary glass collectors, production was expensive because the designs were mould blown and the moulds had to be replaced often - a costly process. The uranium content had to be exact, to allow the glass to be malleable enough to be released from the moulds, and once released, the high points of the design re-heated to produce the 'vaseline' effect on the chestnut leaves. The rim was then crimped by hand to produce the ruffle and when cool the pontil mark polished smooth. In perfect condition - no chips, cracks or water stains. Height 10cm (4in), top diameter 14.5cm (5.7in)