THIS ITEM HAS SOLD*** RARE Large Antique 19th Century French Hand Blown Ruby Glass Sacred Heart Holy Water Flacon

**This item has sold.** A rare find, the large glass vessel forms the shape of a pierced sacred heart. It originates from a fine Parisian collection and dates towards 1900.

The large and heavy hand blown glass heart would have once rested in a custom box or holder. As is often the case the box or holder did not survive the passage of time. The heart must be placed upright for the lid to stay on (like a chalice).

The ruby glass is very, very thick. Tiny bubbles are visible throughout the hand blown shape. At the top back a pretty "V" indentation shapes the heart; The front has the same "V" indentation with the added "pierce" with raised "drops of blood". The upper mount along the neck is of gilded brass. The band has been textured with tiny dots and a very intricate crown of thorns rests on top of the dots. The flame forms the lid, and rests as a lid for the vessel. (similar to a chalice lid). The flame is deeply grooved and has hand worked texturing in it's folds.

The glass portion of the heart measures:4 1/2" x 4" x 2" thick. With the brass lid and band the height is 7 3/4". It is in very good antique condition with no crack or chip to the glass. We use photographic lights to obtain clear detail, the color of the heart appears brighter than in person, where it is a deeper ruby color

It is a magnificent and unusual example.