Saturday, November 21, 2009

19th English Treen and Glass Specimen Display Domes



These exquisite small 19th century English specimen display domes with treen bases and glass covers are akin to the examples that still line glass cabinet shelves in Victorian-era natural history museums and -perhaps as I imagine them to be- filled with exotic beetles and other insects. They’re beautifully made –the bases are turned from woods such as oak, mahogany and boxwood and each possesses a beautiful, naturally aged patina. The glass domes are hand blown -each with an applied knob handle that is press molded and faceted. And at heights that range between 2 ½” and 5”, they are truly diminutive!
Whilst these antique objects have become superfluous over time, they can be given a new purpose; they make a magnificent display when used to showcase small personal treasures such as favorite pieces of jewelry, interesting artifacts or colorful sea shells – merely a variation on their original function.

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