Topic: A Michael Harris Mdina Vase? Reject?

[Anik R]

Hello…

I few weeks ago, I bought this little vase.  Although it was sold as a Murano piece, I thought it was a Michael Harris Mdnia vase.  Was I right?

The vase is 14 cm high and has a completely flat polished base – no signature.

If it is a Mdina vase, is it possible that it is a reject piece?  The opening of the vase has got an air bubble which is open and rough to the touch.  There is another open air bubble (this one is round and about 2mm wide) near the bottom of the vase.  (Both 'defects' can be seen in the pictures.)

It’s a shame because the vase, Murano, Mdina, or whatever else, was sold as being in ‘excellent’ condition.   

Thank you for your time and comments,

Anik

[Lustrousstone]

Is is Mdina, but later than Michael Harris. It's not a reject. Burst bubbles are not uncommon in studio glass

[Anik R]

Thank you, Christine!

The open bubbles wouldn't make the piece II quality?  I was very upset when I got the vase and saw them...  :cry: they would affect the value, wouldn't they?

Do you know what year (more or less, of course) this particular vase was made in?

I really do appreciate your time and input  :kissy:

[Lustrousstone]

They probably burst with handling and dusting. I think the quality of colour and the streaks are perhaps more relevant to value.

[glassobsessed]

Your vase probably dates to the mid to late 1970's, as time went on the rims became wider and wider. I would not describe yours as a 'button rim', which would be earlier but it is not as wide as many. Yours has good colour, they are often known as 'pulled ear vases'.

Here's a not very good photo of an amethyst one I bought yesterday:

John

[Anik R]

Beautiful, John!  I think yours with the smaller rim is more attractive than my slightly wider rim...  the color of yours is also lovely!

Thank you so much for the information.

[chopin-liszt]

Looks to me as if the "burst" bubble at the base is simply a manufacturing flaw - not a problem - the edges are annealed.
Sadly, the one on the neck looks as if it started off as a bubble on the glass which has since been broken, which is considered damage.
Sharp, rough bits are indicative of damage. I think you might have legitimate cause for complaint.
The colours are lovely though - and this is important!

It's a Michael Harris design, but made after he left. Still has good age though.

[Anik R]

Thank you, Sue    Like I said, the 'damage' to the top upset me, especially since the seller mentioned nothing of the sort in his description. [My problems with this seller/idiot is a whole other story.]

The vase cost me 40zł (about 10 euro... shipping included).  It's a shame it isn't is perfect condition...  but luckily, it still looks lovely on my shelf 

Thank you again for your input!  All the best...

Anik

[chopin-liszt]

Given what you paid, the damage is sort of acceptable, but not the seller's non-disclosure of it. It's horrible when things go wrong like this. 

Sadly, I don't think the burst bit would even repair properly - it would change the shape too much to get rid of it.  
But it does display well!

[obscurities]

Like I said, the 'damage' to the top upset me, especially since the seller mentioned nothing of the sort in his description. [My problems with this seller/idiot is a whole other story.]

For what it is worth, I look at the seller's listings, closed auctions, and also feedback. If they do not normally sell glass, I ask tons of questions to make sure the details are all out.... If the answers are not correct or forthcoming, then I generally pass...  People that do not collect or sell glass on a regular basis just do not understand.

To them "small" chips, cracks etc are nothing of importance.....

Craig