Antique Loetz Krokodil Glass Jug Koloman Moser Secessionist Pitcher 16cm 510g
£120.00
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Antique Loetz Krokodil Glass Jug Koloman Moser Secessionist Pitcher 16cm 510g
£120.00
Item Overview
- Type: Water Pitcher / Creamer / Lemonade Jug
- Designer: Koloman (Kolo) Moser (Attributed)
- Brand: Loetz Witwe (Bohemia)
- Manufacturer: Johann Loetz Witwe Glassworks
- MPN: Does Not Apply
- Place of Origin: Austria-Hungary / Bohemia (Modern Czech Republic)
- Style: Art Nouveau / Vienna Secessionist / Jugendstil
- Colour: Optical Clear / Ice Flint
- Design Era: Circa 1900–1905 (Turn of the Century Antique)
- Material: Hand-Blown Ice Crackle Glass ("Krokodil" Pattern)
- Set Includes: Single Integrated Handle Pitcher
- Features: Hollow Moulded Integral Handle, Textured Reptilian "Crocodile Skin" Surface, Flared Asymmetric Pouring Spout, Polished Pontil Base Rim
- Condition: Excellent Antique Condition
- Size and capacity: Stands precisely 16cm (approx. 6.3 inches) in total height, with a top inner rim width of 6.5cm (approx. 2.5 inches), a base diameter of 7.5cm (approx. 3 inches), and a substantial weight of 510 grams.
Dating & Historical Context
- Dating: This phenomenal museum-grade specimen dates strictly to the high Art Nouveau / Vienna Secessionist period (c. 1900–1905). The complex mouth-blown production technique, hollow handle construction, and characteristic "Krokodil" surface finish are documented structural signatures of early twentieth-century Bohemian glass houses.
- Historical Note: This iconic pitcher design is widely attributed to the legendary Austrian artist and Vienna Secessionist pioneer, Koloman (Kolo) Moser, produced by the world-renowned glassworks Johann Loetz Witwe in Klostermühle, Bohemia. Formally referred to as the "Krokodil" (Crocodile) pattern due to its deep, crackled, reptilian-like texture, the vessel is an engineering marvel of its time. Rather than applying a separate solid handle, the artist blew the molten glass directly into a complex multi-part mould that pinched the body to form a hollow integral loop handle—allowing liquid to flow through the handle itself. This seamless balance of raw texture and organic functionalism epitomizes the premium quality sought after by elite global antique collectors.
Description
A mesmerizingly organic masterclass in turn-of-the-century European art glass, this antique c. 1905 Loetz "Krokodil" jug showcases the pioneering spirit of the Vienna Secessionist movement. Moulded from a heavy grade of clear crystal, the exterior walls are enveloped in a deep, chaotic ice-crackle landscape that captures and refracts room lighting like a melting glacier.
Expert Identification & Design Features:
- Hollow Integrated Handle: A spectacular engineering feature where the glass handle forms an interconnected passage with the main cavity, letting liquid flow through the handle grip.
- "Krokodil" Ice Finish: The heavily wrinkled, deep-set crackle relief provides an incredibly secure tactile grip while creating dazzling optical prism reflections.
- Artisan Mouth-Blown Spout: Terminating in an elegantly pinched, swept-forward pouring lip that highlights the hand-manipulated nature of this antique masterpiece.
Condition Report
This scarce investment-grade antique is in exceptional condition, remaining wonderfully vibrant after more than 120 years. The clear crystal maintains its brilliant factory sheen, showing no cloudiness, internal milkiness, or limescale staining from historical water use. The complex glass structure is free from internal fractures, impact bruising, hairline cracks, or restorations. The delicate edges along the mouth-blown spout and the internal seams of the hollow handle loop are completely smooth with no chips, rough spots, or flea bites. The flat ground base displays only minimal, superficial shelf scuffs from authentic historical display placement.
Shipping & Logistics
- Domestic Shipping: FREE UK TRACKED DELIVERY.
- Packaging: Double-boxed inside high-density multi-layered bubble cushions and surrounded completely by anti-crush packing peanuts to safeguard the delicate spout and hollow handle framework during transit.
- Dispatch: Order before 12.00pm and we ship sameday.
Returns & Payment Policies
We want you to be delighted with your heritage find.
- Not as Described: In the unlikely event of an error in our listing, we will provide a full refund and cover the return postage costs.
- Change of Mind: We accept returns within 30 days; however, in these instances, the buyer is responsible for the return shipping costs.