Topic: id wanted - Could it be Mdina?

[jakgene]

Bought this beautiful piece a while ago. Completely unmarked. Acid etched or sandblasted outer, clear glass over blue and white swirled glass. Height 22cm or 8 1/2 inches. Any help with maker woul dbe appreciated. Thansk JAk - New member, West Oz.

[Lustrousstone]

Welcome to the board. I've no idea but a base picture might help, even if unmarked.

[jakgene]

Thanks Christine - small world - I was born in Widnes. Almost neighbours! 

Have uploaded a pic of the base. No marks, except some signs of wear, so it is not a new piece.
thanks for your interest.

Jackie

[chopin-liszt]

Hiya and welcome!
I'm afraid I don't think this is Mdina, but I can't be any more helpful than that, which isn't much!

[malwodyn]

Welcome to the Board!  I am agreed that it is not Mdina, but what made you think it was? The lustre swirl in your third photograph (and the slightly hollowed base) are uncharacteristic of Mdina glass.  Did it come from Malta?

[jakgene]

No it was bought here in Western Australia, but I have no idea of its origin. With the high migrant population it could have originated anywhere. Also Aussies generally are very good travellers and bring souvenirs and gifts back!  I was grasping at straws thinking of Mdina! any idea of a date for it from the style etc? It looked sort of 50's or 60's to me - mind you that is when Australia was taking migrants from most of Europe, so thats not much help really. Thanks for your interest.

regards

JAK
West Oz

[malwodyn]

Looking again at the photos you posted, I don't think the exterior has been sand-blasted, but I could be wrong.  In particular, the way the pattern continues across the base makes me think that the decoration was applied at the time the piece was made.   

As for the maker - well, I'm completely in the dark.  I do wish that glassmakers would sign their work!  I'd put it rather later than 50s or 60s (which would have ruled out Mdina, anyway - the factory hadn't started then).  I wouldn't rule out one of the other Maltese glassmakers - but my knowledge is limited to a single piece of Phoenician glass! 

Is there a studio glassmaker in Australia whose work we should be looking out for? 

[Cathy B]

Is there a studio glassmaker in Australia whose work we should be looking out for? 

That was what I was wondering, as well,  but I've looked through the products of a few Western Australian glassmakers and haven't found anything comparable. But then, maybe one of those glassmakers might know. The irridescent outer surface should help narrow it down.

The only other question was whether that sort of vase might have been mass-produced somewhere?

[jakgene]

Hi all - thanks for the comments. Sorry not to have replied sooner, I have been away in Sydney for a few days .  I don't know of any local glassmakers whose work is similar to this. As far as Australian glassmakers go the only ones I have bought from have been Melting Pot in Margaret River, WA, and some pieces by Michael Hook, who I think works out of Melbourne now but was in Adelaide South Australia - The Jam factory  -I think.

So  looks as if my piece stays unidentified! It is still gorgeous though!. Thanks again for all contributions.
regards

JAK
West Oz