French Milk Glass Posy Vase - Forget-me-nots - 1880s

A tiny treasure from late-19th-century France: this hand-blown opaline (milk glass) posy vase is delicately enamelled with garlands of sky-blue forget-me-nots and tiny russet berries.

Petite in scale and sweet in spirit, it’s the perfect size for a few garden stems, a bedside sprig of lavender, or to brighten a shelf with a dash of Belle Époque charm.

Opaline became a favourite in the mid- to late-1800s for its soft, luminous body and elegant shapes. This example sits on a rounded pedestal foot with a bulbous body and gently flared lip. The hand-painted enamel flowers are cheerful and light, applied in fine strokes typical of the period. Time has left its pleasing traces: a little rubbing to the gilt ring and scattered tiny bubbles within the glass from manufacturing process.

Altogether, a darling decorative accent for cottage, French country, or romantic interiors.

• Material: Hand-blown opaline (milk glass) with hand-painted decoration
• Maker: Unmarked (typical for small workshop French opaline)
• Motif: Forget-me-not garlands with tiny berries; remnant gilt ring
• Style: Belle Époque / French country; late-19th-century decorative glass
• Place of Origin: France
• Mark: None (atelier piece)
• Date of Manufacture: c.1880s
• Condition: Antique condition with age-consistent wear. Minor surface marks and specks, light rubbing and partial loss to the gilt ring, a few tiny air bubbles from blowing, wear to the foot; no cracks. Please see photos for details.