Topic: S&W "Dolce Relievo" Cameo Glass cup and saucer

[mom2esf]

I promise I will let you know when I hear back.

No, the dark pink is the only really shiny part. I would say it does look to be handworked. Yes, to the last…. shiny to unpolished to matte surfaces.

Thanks again,
B

[flying free]

You're welcome.
I thought you might find this book interesting.  It's a superb book and if you go to the page 11 in the book it explains about how cameo is done

http://d3seu6qyu1a8jw.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/collections/DA/DAD1DEEE-4B86-491B-B804-69C7B1F46B40.pdf
m

[mom2esf]

Here is the response from Corning:

Dear Ms. Freeman,
 
Thank you for your email below. I have attached some pages that may be somewhat relevant, from the Ray and Lee Grover 1980 publication entitled ‘English Cameo Glass’.
Page 8 of this publication provides a good description of ‘dolce relievo’, while the other two pages contain a sketch (taken from George Woodall’s sketchbook), and a vase, top left (either Stevens & Williams or Thomas Webb & Sons: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Webb_%26_Sons) that are somewhat similar by way of some of the motifs employed.
 
However, as it is an unsigned it might not be by Stevens & Williams or Thomas Webb & Sons, but it is in the style of.
I am sure you can appreciate how difficult it is to be certain vis-à-vis identification without actually handling the piece in person.
 
As for valuations, due to the fact we are a museum we cannot provide appraisals on objects.
There should be a list of valuers and appraisers/fine art dealers in your local yellow pages who may have a specialty in glass.
Another excellent publication that may be of help is the following: http://www.cmog.org/library/british-glass-1800-1914-charles-hajdamach?search=library_collection%3A8b926109a463954f5cdae2d0a23c4015&page=3 
 
Sincere regards,
 
 
 
 
Audrey Whitty.
 
Dr. Audrey Whitty,
Curator of European and Asian Glass,
The Corning Museum of Glass,
1 Museum Way,
Corning,
New York,
NY 14830,
USA.
 
www.cmog.org
Direct Line: +1 607 438 5226

[mom2esf]

Unfortunately, I don't know how to attach the pdf she sent along. Maybe you already have the book and can see them there.
I can't believe she actually answered me. You glass collectors are restoring my faith in the kindness of strangers and humanity in general.

Thank you ALL so very much,

B

[mom2esf]

Flyingfree,

Thank you so much for attaching the book. The people that carved this glass were incredible artists. The work must have been backbreaking.
I have a new appreciation for it. When I started looking at the cup and saucer I couldn't believe it could possibly be worth $2300. Today I am wondering how it could be worth so little….

B

[flying free]

yes exactly
And when you read about how long it took to carve the pieces ... well, enough said. 
I don't have the book but would love to see that pieces she quotes.
I've opened my email box (a little envelope on the left hand side under my user name).  If you have time and can find a way to attach it to an email to me via the board system, that would be much appreciated.

Are they closer in design than the one in Broadfield House museum?
I'm going to dig out some information on that one if I can.  And will get back to you.
m

[flying free]

I've been having a think and looked closely at the plate  for clues.  I wonder if the things that might help to  identify this piece for B are the circular motifs on the plate (the one in the centre and also there are three around the outside) and also the birds? The birds all appear to be different. I've asked B to add pictures of the birds on both the cup and the plate, so they  can be checked against each other to see if they are all different. 
Close ups of the motifs might help as well, as I 've found a couple of vases from Stevens and Williams that have this type of motif on as well as an engraved William Fritsche goblet for Thomas Webb that has an exotic bird on in a similar style.
http://blackcountryhistory.org/collections/getrecord/DMUSE_BH201/
http://www.antiquecolouredglass.info/Thomas%20Webb%20&%20Sons.htm
http://blackcountryhistory.org/collections/getrecord/DMUSE_ST75/
m

[mom2esf]

Here are the birds on the saucer:

[mom2esf]

Here are the birds on the cup:

[mom2esf]

Here are the medallions: