Central European Folk-Devotional “God in a Bottle”, c.1890–1915
A unique and rare Central European “God in a Bottle” devotional object, c.1890–1915.
Housed in an early clear-glass spirits bottle—almost certainly once used for schnapps or fruit brandy—the piece contains a carefully constructed wooden crucifix built inside the vessel through the narrow neck, then fully submerged in consecrated (Holy) water. Over more than a century, the liquid has taken on a warm amber tone from the natural tannins in the wood, giving the interior a soft, atmospheric glow.
These protective bottles, known regionally as Gottesflasche or Spiritus Dei, were created across the Alpine and Central European regions and kept in homes as quiet expressions of faith and for household protection. Examples retaining their original liquid and internal structures are scarce, and this bottle has survived with a remarkable sense of serenity and presence.
A simple but compelling piece of late 19th–early 20th Century devotional folk art.
Original: $1,264.04
-70%$1,264.04
$379.21
Description
A unique and rare Central European “God in a Bottle” devotional object, c.1890–1915.
Housed in an early clear-glass spirits bottle—almost certainly once used for schnapps or fruit brandy—the piece contains a carefully constructed wooden crucifix built inside the vessel through the narrow neck, then fully submerged in consecrated (Holy) water. Over more than a century, the liquid has taken on a warm amber tone from the natural tannins in the wood, giving the interior a soft, atmospheric glow.
These protective bottles, known regionally as Gottesflasche or Spiritus Dei, were created across the Alpine and Central European regions and kept in homes as quiet expressions of faith and for household protection. Examples retaining their original liquid and internal structures are scarce, and this bottle has survived with a remarkable sense of serenity and presence.
A simple but compelling piece of late 19th–early 20th Century devotional folk art.
