A Vienna transparent-enamelled glass beaker, Circa 1820

Anton Kothgasser (1769-1851) was probably the best-known porcelain and glass decorator in Vienna in the Biedermeier period.  Having decorated porcelain at the Royal porcelain works he opened his own studio in 1813 and by 1815 was specialising in beakers decorated with subjects ranging from topographical views of Viennese landmarks, allegorical scenes and floral subjects such as the present love token, made for the elite of the capital of the Austrian Empire.  Whilst many of Europe's finest decorators were attracted to his workshop it is his name that has become synonymous with this style of decoration which utilises staining, transparent enameling and gilding.