Wine cup stand and cover

Art Historical Context

This exquisite wine cup stand and cover crafted by the Dr. Antonio Salviati in 19th-century Venice (Murano exemplifies the Renaissance of Italian glassmaking. Produced on the island of Murano—long renowned for its masterful glass artisans since the 13th century—the piece measures a delicate 6 7/8 × 4 5/8 inches and features intricate motifs, including horses, symbolizing elegance and vitality in Venetian decorative arts. The Salviati Company, by Dr. Antonio Salati, played a pivotal role in revivingano's glass industry during the 1800s, blending traditional techniques like filigrana (threaded glass) and millefiori (thousand flowers) with innovative designs for international export. This glassware object, functional yet ornamental, highlights the era's fusion of utility and luxury, often adorning elite dining tables across Europe. A generous gift from collector James Jackson Jarves in 1881, it now graces the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection, offering visitors a tangible link to Venice's glittering glass legacy.