Topic: Ice pick flowers...sulphides or...I don't know!

[Max]

I bought this yesterday and only casually examined it at first, thinking it was *another* Chinese weight.  However, it appears to have sulphide (?) flowers inside (is this right?  No idea what I'm talking about really!) - see photos.  There is wear to the polished base and I guess the flowers are what are called 'ice pick'?

I've looked at my only (beginners!) paperweight book and trawled the Internet but can't find anything the same.  I'm guessing this is Bohemian...but is it?  I'm befuddled!

[Lustrousstone]

I think they are pieces of cane that have been ice-picked, not sulphides.

[Max]

Oh are they? Shows how little I know, doesn't it?   

[tropdevin]

Hi

This style of icepick flower has been made for a long time (100 years plus) in central Europe and elsewhere.  I have seen similar weights for sale in Austria and in Venice in the last few years. Quite where the latter were made is another question though, as I suspect that some emerge from China, whilst others may be Beranek or smaller glass factories.

Alan

[Max]

This style of icepick flower has been made for a long time (100 years plus) in central Europe and elsewhere.  I have seen similar weights for sale in Austria and in Venice in the last few years. Quite where the latter were made is another question though, as I suspect that some emerge from China, whilst others may be Beranek or smaller glass

Thanks for taking a look at it Alan and for the information.  :kissy:

[glasstrufflehunter]

Your paperweight is Murano, most likely Fratelli Toso.

[Max]

Oh thank you!  I had no idea where it was from.  Fratelli Toso would be great!