1930s Malachite Glass Perfume Bottle by Riedel-Produced Ingrid Brand Highlights Art Deco Era's Artistic Trends

A distinctive Art Deco Ingrid perfume bottle, crafted from malachite glass by Riedel Glassworks in Bohemia, Czech Republic, and dating to the 1930s, has drawn attention for its intricate design depicting a nude figure beneath a waterfall. This piece exemplifies the artistic and manufacturing prowess of the period, showcasing the unique aesthetic of Art Deco and the rich heritage of Bohemian glassmaking.

The "Ingrid" brand was conceived by Henry Schlevogt, named after his daughter, and introduced to the market at the Leipzig Trade Fair in 1934, followed by the Chicago World's Fair in the same year. Curt Schlevogt, Henry's father, was instrumental in designing the molds for these artistic pressed glass items, which quickly gained popularity for their innovative designs and simulated stone appearance.

Malachite glass, designed to mimic the green copper carbonate mineral, was a favored medium during the 1920s to 1940s, marking its "golden era." Production of these Ingrid pieces utilized the facilities of Riedel Glassworks in Polubny, Bohemia, a company with a history dating back to 1756 and a significant presence in the region's renowned glass industry. Riedel's expertise in pressing glass was crucial to bringing Schlevogt's designs to life.

The motif of a nude figure beneath a waterfall was a characteristic element of Art Deco design, particularly prevalent in perfume bottles from Czechoslovakia. This artistic choice reflected the era's embrace of stylized human forms and natural elements, often imbued with a sense of elegance and sensuality. As stated in the tweet, this specific bottle captures the essence of 1930s design: > "Art Deco Ingrid perfume bottle made of malachite glass by Riedel Glassworks, depicting a nude figure beneath a waterfall, Bohemia, Czech Republic, 1930s."

These malachite glass perfume bottles, despite being pressed, often underwent meticulous hand-finishing by Schlevogt's workers, including grinding, frosting, or polishing, ensuring a high level of quality. The enduring appeal and collectibility of these original Ingrid pieces underscore their significance as cultural artifacts and testaments to the sophisticated craftsmanship of the Art Deco period in Central Europe.