American or English

Hand-Blown Clear Glass

Late 19th early 19th

11″ H x 9 1/2″ W

Leech bowls, initially designed to house medicinal leeches, carry a fascinating history dating back centuries. These bowls were once integral to medical practices and believed to promote bloodletting for various ailments. However, with advancements in medical science, the use of leeches declined, relegating leech bowls to obscurity in their original function. Today, these vessels have found new life as decorative pieces, particularly cherished as unique flower vases. Their transformation from utilitarian objects to decorative artifacts highlights their evolution into quintessential pieces of folk art. Leech bowls embody a blend of history and aesthetic appeal, serving as reminders of bygone practices while adding charm to contemporary spaces as decorative accents.