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Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass Paperweights => Topic started by: Liz on June 28, 2006, 03:29:00 PM

Title: White star... is it a signature cane?
Post by: Liz on June 28, 2006, 03:29:00 PM
http://i5.tinypic.com/160diqg.jpg  - Top
http://i4.tinypic.com/160dlsl.jpg    - Bottom
http://i5.tinypic.com/160e6wp.jpg  - White star


Hi All!

 Here is another recent EBay find that I am trying to identify, the only reference to a white star that I can find is attributed to James Kontes, but his star appears to be different than this one. Any thoughts on who might be the maker of this paperweight?

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer...Thanks as always! :D

Liz
Title: another reason
Post by: wrightoutlook on June 28, 2006, 07:57:20 PM
A beautiful paperweight and yet ANOTHER reason glassmakers have got to sign their paperweights.
Title: White star... is it a signature cane?
Post by: Liz on June 28, 2006, 08:33:50 PM
Thanks Wrightoutlook!

It would be wonderful if all paperweights were "signed", but I guess it would take all the "fun" out of researching the unknowns! :wink:

As for this one, it is unbelievably clear ( my photos are terrible) glass, compared to others in my collection. Which is why I have spent so much time trying to figure out the maker, maybe it's wishful (on a star) thinking on my part but, I believe this is a quality paperweight. The artist certainly deserves recognition!

And, if I am wrong and it turns out to be Chinese..... :cry:

Liz
Title: White star... is it a signature cane?
Post by: KevinH on June 28, 2006, 09:36:39 PM
:D If it turns out to be Chinese, it will be excellent news as it will prove that at least one maker (company or person) can produce really good quality work and this will give hope that there could eventually be a range of higher quality Chinese weights; more so than some of the better ones now being made.

As for the star cane ... Yes, a white 5-point star was used by James Kontas. And also by his brother Nontas. According to Dohan's Paperweight Signature Canes book, page 124:
Quote
When he first started in 1976 or so, he and Nontas both used a small five point white star in a clear glass rod as their signature ... ... probably used in only three or four weights for each of them ... ... first weights were floral plaques so it is likely that this star cane was used only in this type of weight.


Other American makers have used a similar 5-point white star, inlcuding Drew Ebelhare and Steven Lundberg, but I thought that they both always had their initial(s) as part of a complex cane, which can contain a 5-point star.
Title: White star... is it a signature cane?
Post by: Liz on June 29, 2006, 01:17:18 AM
I agree KevH...it would be astounding to see this quality being produced in China. I would be first in line to purchase more from this maker!

Whatever it turns out to be, I am happy with the purchase and I guess that's what is important. However, I still would like to identify this paperweight so, if anyone has any additional information , I would be very interested in finding out more! I have seen a few of the "newer" Kontes brothers pieces, with the JK and NK canes, and I do not believe this is one of theirs..I wish it were!

Back to the drawing board.... :?

Thanks again for the input!

Liz
Title: auction number
Post by: wrightoutlook on June 29, 2006, 03:10:30 AM
Liz: What auction number was this paperweight? If you haven't, I would like to email the seller and get some information.
Title: White star... is it a signature cane?
Post by: Liz on June 29, 2006, 01:47:21 PM
I contacted William Pitt, he replied that his first inclination was a studio in California, but the bubbles (which are typically Scottish) has him thrown. He also replied that it was a shame the artist did not sign the paperweight!

The auction number is 7391127068, I did not query the seller, the description (and the low price) led me to believe that she did not have any additional information. She was selling pieces from her mothers estate. I believe she was from Maryland, which made me wonder about a Kontes ( New Jersey) connection.

I will keep trying to figure this one out! Thanks for your help!!

Liz
Title: onward paperweight soldiers
Post by: wrightoutlook on June 29, 2006, 11:48:05 PM
The bubbling does seem a bit like bubble formations in both John Deacons and Caithness flower in the rain paperweights. And the flower does have that Scottish "feel" to it. As for the possibility that this could be a Chinese weight, well, hope does spring eternal, but that attribution is doubtful.

And, the price you paid for it is glorious, especially for you. $9.99. Wow!

I like the California concept, but there are numerous little-known glass artists all over the United States, especially in Oregon and Vermont, many of whom are crafting some paperweights. Ashland, Oregon, home of a famed west coast Shakespeare Festival, has numerous glass artisans. In Vermont, people like Peter Muller are doing extraordinary paperweights. And don't forget the Canadian glasscrafters. Much of their work is sold in the U.S., and many are making paperweights.

Yes, it does stagger the imagination that the weight is not signed.
Title: seller replies
Post by: wrightoutlook on June 30, 2006, 12:48:54 PM
I received an email from the seller in reply to my question to her about the provenance of the paperweight. She stated that she knew nothing about the weight other than it was in her mother's collection. Didn't know when or how it came to be there.
Title: White star... is it a signature cane?
Post by: JP on June 30, 2006, 02:20:01 PM
Nothing else matches up, but the green stem/vine sure does remind me of this Bagwell piece:

http://members.visi.net/~mobrooks/bagwell.jpg
Title: inching toward a solution
Post by: girlglassguide on June 30, 2006, 04:34:11 PM
The green leaves in the mystery weight do resemble the green fronds in the last weight shown, so this is progress.
Title: White star... is it a signature cane?
Post by: Liz on July 01, 2006, 12:00:49 AM
Sorry for the delay in my reply, we had 25 yards of mulch delivered yesterday and I have been having a wonderful time in the yard! :wink:

Wrightoutlook , thanks for the inquiry! Too bad the seller did not have any additional information! And yes, it was a great bargain!!

The Bagwell paperweight is interesting, the leaves do seem to be similar.

I have not had time to delve deeper into this paperweight , hopefully after the holiday week-end things will slow down here and I can devote more time to it!

I really appreciate everyone's help with this one...hopefully, we can give this paperweight a name!

Have a great week-end :D
Liz
Title: by the way
Post by: wrightoutlook on July 01, 2006, 12:49:38 PM
By the way, Bagwell's first name is Don.

There are a lot of new American paperweight makers now.

Liz, you might also take a look at the work of Scott Bayless, who trained at Corning and with the Charles Lotton family. Also making paperweights in eastern Illinois are three sons of Charles Lotton - Daniel John, and David.

But, although I haven't seen any of their output as yet (except for Charles), I truly believe all of these men would be savvy enough to sign their work, including Bagwell.
Title: White star... is it a signature cane?
Post by: Liz on July 03, 2006, 07:00:24 PM
I found the maker  :D !! While browsing Paperweight-mall.com, I came across Passionforpaperweights.com, listed under Glass Eye Studio is my paperweight, called magenta flower! That one is signed, mine is not...which if it is a limited edition, as stated, why not sign each one???

I learned that this paperweight is not vintage, one of my personal pet-peeves is attaching the word to vintage to any unknown piece, it is contemporary. I would love to know who the individual artist is/was!
I guess the next step is to contact the studio and try to track him/her down!

I was thrilled to find the maker and wanted to share this with you, as you have all been so very helpful in my quest to solve this "who-done-it"!!

Thanks again! :wink:
Liz
Title: White star... is it a signature cane?
Post by: KevinH on July 03, 2006, 11:51:48 PM
Well done on finding the maker, Liz. :D

I think there could be a few reasons why your example is not signed:
- it might be an unmarked trial (or artist's proof) piece
- they may have forgotten to sign it
- it could be a "seconds", because of a flaw in the working, and perhaps not intended for release

On the point of it possibly being a "seconds", the base area of yours appears smaller (or at least, less precisely formed) than in the photo of the other one you found. Also, there seem to be less bubbles in the background of yours. These could, of course, be my own interpretations from the photos, which themselves may be at "substantially" different angles, giving a different visual effect.

Checking with GES would be a good idea.
Title: glasss eye
Post by: wrightoutlook on July 04, 2006, 12:59:17 AM
BRAVA!!!

I had thought Glass Eye signed their weights with at least a GES, if not a full Glass Eye Studio, scratching on the underside.

I know the studio always has a tiny card with their paperweights that states the glass is made from ash from Mt. Saint Helens.

I'm pleased I was a bit on target in calling it American and mentioning the northwest U.S. as a possible source.
Title: White star... is it a signature cane?
Post by: Liz on July 04, 2006, 11:55:33 PM
KevH...I think you have a valid point, mine does appear to have a slightly smaller bottom than the signed piece, I had not noticed that before you pointed it out! Although, the profiles seem to be a match.

Newbie Question Alert....what do they do with artist proofs and are seconds sold to the public?

Wrightoutlook....good eye!! If there was a smiley that patted you on the back...it would be right here! :D

BTW...has anyone tried the paperweight cataloging software being hawked on EBay? I'm really curious to find out if it's as good as advertised!

Off to watch the fireworks...Happy 4th everyone!!
Liz
Title: White star... is it a signature cane?
Post by: Frank on July 10, 2006, 01:40:43 PM
Rest of post diverged and needed its own thread so split out.

See http://www.glassmessages.com/index.php/topic,6271.0.html