Antique Irish Tipperary Waterford Glass Cut Crystal Georgian Centerpiece Bowl 18ct

An impressive George II hand cut full led Irish Crystal Pedestal “Kettle Drum” Bowl of circular outline and unusually large proportions. Made by the Old Waterford Glass Company, County Tipperary in Ireland. Late Eighteenth, early Nineteenth Century. The heavy gauge circular wavy cut rim with a band of richly cut diamond and chevron cut pattern. The lower bowl area with scale cut detailing, raised on a single ring socle stem above a square thick spreading pedestal, underneath with “lemon squeeze” foot detail. Condition: Good untouched condition with no losses, except for one tight short crack, see two images which clearly show this imperfection, wonderful age wear underneath base. Typically unmarked as Georgian pieces were not. *Stunning and rare example of a piece of Irish Georgian History. The asking price reflects the imperfection. Wonderful rare “grey” tint to crystal, so typical of Eighteenth-Century Irish pieces. Diameter: (top rim, an impressive) 9” (23cm). Height: 8.25" (21cm). Depth: (square base) 3.5" (9cm). Location: Dublin City, Ireland. Affordable fixed charge Worldwide Store to door shipping in house. The history of Irish Hand Cut Crystal goes back to the late 17th century. George Ravenscroft started the tradition in 1676. The glassmaker added lead oxide to the silicates that make up the molten glass. The process achieved a softness that allowed the glass to be blown and carved while remaining hard and clear as it cooled. The first crystal factory in Ireland opened in County Tyrone in 1771. The Creation of Waterford Crystal The Waterford Crystal we know today back in 1783 with George and William Penrose. Their vision was to “create the finest quality crystal for drinking vessels and decorative objects of beauty for the home.” The Penrose brothers sought the expertise of renowned glassmaker John Hill in 1785. Hill that began the process of polishing the glass to give the unique Waterford Crystal shine now known the world over. Hill left Waterford in 1788 after a major disagreement with the Penrose brothers. Waterford cut glass was already being exported to the United Kingdom and USA at this time as its popularity grew. William Penrose passed away in 1796 and the business was sold two years later to James Ramsey, Ambrose Barcroft and Jonathan Gatchell. Gatchell later became the sole owner of the company until his death in 1823. His son George formed a partnership with George Saunders which would last until 1848. However, the business suffered during this period due to new duties imposed on the manufacture and exportation of glass. The factory ceased production in 1851. George Gatchell relocated to England where he lived until his death 30 years later. We are pleased to offer this rare quality piece of Irish history for sale on-line.