Antique Arts & Crafts Copper and Glass Terrarium

This is an antique terrarium made of glass and copper. It is from the late 19th early 20th century in the Arts & Crafts style. There was a craze during the Victorian era for glass terrariums, inspired by the wardian cases created by Dr. Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward to protect plants on their journey from distant lands to London and beyond. He created the glass cases to house the plants he had in his home, which were dying in the haze of industrialized London. 

The roof of the terrarium lifts off to allow access. A base with four feet raises the terrarium on the slightest pedestal. It looks as if it was never used to house organic matter. 16 inches in length by 10 inches in depth and 11 inches in height.