A Small Cobalt Filigree Finger Bowl

A vintage cobalt blue glass liner finger bowl in a chrome plate filigree holder.

Cobalt blue glass combined with chrome plate filigree was a popular aesthetic in 19th-century European tableware, particularly in France, Germany, and the Netherlands. These pieces were often used as sugar baskets, salt cellars, or condiment holders to add a splash of vibrant color to a formal dining table. The use of 'pierced' or filigree metalwork allowed the rich blue of the glass to be visible while providing a sturdy, decorative structure. These items often reflect the Gothic Revival style, characterized by the pointed arches seen in the metalwork. While some were crafted in sterling silver for the aristocracy, many were produced in silver-plate for the growing middle class. Today, they are collected for their striking color contrast and intricate craftsmanship.

• Period: Late 19th Century
• Origin: Continental Europe