These tumblers offer a compelling balance of classical Egyptian iconography and Mid-Century Modern utility. The design is anchored by a high-relief frieze of stylized lotus flowers—a perennial symbol of rebirth and luxury—rendered in brilliant gold enamel against a meticulously frosted band. The contrast between the matte "acid-etched" texture and the polished clear glass creates a sophisticated play of light, while the weighted base ensures a substantial, architecturally grounded presence.
Attribution & Period
Consistent with the luxury export glassware produced in Egypt and the Levant during the 1960s. The "D" mark on the heavy glass base is a factory identifier most commonly associated with Duralex (France), who supplied high-durability tempered glass blanks to decorating studios across the Middle East. This specific decorative program, combining 24k-style gold gilding with frosted geometric bands, was the signature output of high-end Cairo-based workshops catering to the mid-century international tourist trade and local elite.
Dimensions & Weight
Height: 4.375”
Width / Diameter: 3” (Mouth)
Depth / Base Diameter: 2”
Weight: 0.45 lbs (per glass)
Condition
Great condition. The glass bodies are free of chips, cracks, or flea bites. As is expected with authentic mid-century gilded tableware, there is minor, light wear to the gold enamel in select areas (visible in photos), which serves to authenticate the age and hand-decorated nature of the pieces.
Authenticity & Construction
These pieces utilize a heat-tempered "press-and-blow" glass construction, identifiable by the precision of the form and the distinct weight of the base. The decoration is hand-applied using a silk-screened gold paste which was subsequently fired to bond with the glass. The frosted texture is achieved through a controlled chemical etch, a technique that requires significant artisanal skill to maintain the crisp borders seen here.
Placement
With their slim profile and evocative motif, these tumblers are a superb addition to a curated bar collection or a modernist dining setting. They function effectively as both functional drinkware and decorative objects, particularly when placed where backlighting can accentuate the frosted lotus pattern and the luster of the gold.
STANDARD ATTRIBUTION & VALUE DISCLOSURE
This piece is described to the best of current scholarly and market knowledge. Any maker or regional attribution is based on visual analysis, materials, construction techniques, and documented stylistic comparisons. As with many MCM and antique design objects, definitive attribution may not be possible without original labels or factory records. Pricing reflects condition, quality, decorative appeal, and current collector demand rather than guaranteed maker identification.
These tumblers offer a compelling balance of classical Egyptian iconography and Mid-Century Modern utility. The design is anchored by a high-relief frieze of stylized lotus flowers—a perennial symbol of rebirth and luxury—rendered in brilliant gold enamel against a meticulously frosted band. The contrast between the matte "acid-etched" texture and the polished clear glass creates a sophisticated play of light, while the weighted base ensures a substantial, architecturally grounded presence.
Attribution & Period
Consistent with the luxury export glassware produced in Egypt and the Levant during the 1960s. The "D" mark on the heavy glass base is a factory identifier most commonly associated with Duralex (France), who supplied high-durability tempered glass blanks to decorating studios across the Middle East. This specific decorative program, combining 24k-style gold gilding with frosted geometric bands, was the signature output of high-end Cairo-based workshops catering to the mid-century international tourist trade and local elite.
Dimensions & Weight
Height: 4.375”
Width / Diameter: 3” (Mouth)
Depth / Base Diameter: 2”
Weight: 0.45 lbs (per glass)
Condition
Great condition. The glass bodies are free of chips, cracks, or flea bites. As is expected with authentic mid-century gilded tableware, there is minor, light wear to the gold enamel in select areas (visible in photos), which serves to authenticate the age and hand-decorated nature of the pieces.
Authenticity & Construction
These pieces utilize a heat-tempered "press-and-blow" glass construction, identifiable by the precision of the form and the distinct weight of the base. The decoration is hand-applied using a silk-screened gold paste which was subsequently fired to bond with the glass. The frosted texture is achieved through a controlled chemical etch, a technique that requires significant artisanal skill to maintain the crisp borders seen here.
Placement
With their slim profile and evocative motif, these tumblers are a superb addition to a curated bar collection or a modernist dining setting. They function effectively as both functional drinkware and decorative objects, particularly when placed where backlighting can accentuate the frosted lotus pattern and the luster of the gold.
STANDARD ATTRIBUTION & VALUE DISCLOSURE
This piece is described to the best of current scholarly and market knowledge. Any maker or regional attribution is based on visual analysis, materials, construction techniques, and documented stylistic comparisons. As with many MCM and antique design objects, definitive attribution may not be possible without original labels or factory records. Pricing reflects condition, quality, decorative appeal, and current collector demand rather than guaranteed maker identification.
Image 1 of 17
Image 2 of 17
Image 3 of 17
Image 4 of 17
Image 5 of 17
Image 6 of 17
Image 7 of 17
Image 8 of 17
Image 9 of 17
Image 10 of 17
Image 11 of 17
Image 12 of 17
Image 13 of 17
Image 14 of 17
Image 15 of 17
Image 16 of 17
Image 17 of 17
