Pressed glass was a popular nineteenth century technique, molten glass was literally pressed into a mould to create decorative shapes and surface relief patterns. This pair of obelisks, patterned all over with hieroglyphics, was designed to commemorate the arrival of the gigantic Egyptian hieroglyph-carved marble obelisk presented to the British people in 1819 by the ruler of Egypt and Sudan, Muhammad Ali, erected on the Victorian Embankment by the Thames in London, marking the victories of Lord Nelson at the Battle of the Nile and Sir Ralph Abercromby at the Battle of Alexandria in 1801.
Hollow, Pressed and moulded glass, 21.5cm high
Minor wear and tear concomitant with age, minute surface fissures created during the original manufacturing process, see photographs for close-ups.
For sale as a pair, UK postage and packing charged at cost or buyer collects from London NW5.
