Topic: Brown unassuming vase... actually very pretty... ID?

[Anik R]

Hello 

I just got this brown little vase...  it looks rather unassuming, but when you hold it up to the light, it comes alive and really is very pretty. Can anyone help with ID?

It's 9,5cm high.  When you hold it up to the light, you can see lovely 'swirls' going from right to left... these swirls can be felt on the inside of the vase (not on the outside).  The base is a little strange -- it's got a raised rim.  The base is shiny but lumpy.  In the middle, there is a polished pontil mark.

One more thing which might (or might not) help...  I bought it from a woman who imports and sells 2nd hand clothes from Belgium.  She says it was in the truck among the 'rags'. 

Thank you for your time and ideas  :kissy:

[Anik R]

I was taking another look at my vase, and I've come to the conclusion that it isn't brown, but rather, a dark amber...  Thank you!

[Paul S.]

sorry, can't really help you with any provenance or attribution, but wanted to offer suggestions on your comments re 'swirls'  -  although as a bit of a novice, I am quite prepared to be 'shot down' by the experts      I undertand that these vertical lines in the glass produce an effect that is called 'optical moulding' -  something which can be seen, but not felt, from the outside of the piece.    In your pictures, it is not apparent that the 'swirls' go from right to left - although when this does happen I believe it is termed a 'wrythen effect'.     If I'm wrong on the next bit, I do expect to be put right very quickly...........in order to create these vertical 'optical' ribs, glass is blown into a mould that leaves an impression of 'ribs' on the outside of the glass.    In order to remove these indented ribs, from the outside of the the glass the piece is then 're-blown' into a larger mould, WHICH HAS A SMOOTH INTERIOR SUFACE, thus removing the ribs from the outside of the glass piece, and creating a smooth outside to the item.      Of course, the inside of the piece retains some of the ribbing, thus creating the optical effect, but with a smooth exterior. The popularity of 'optically moulded glass' was very evident prior to the 1940's.      Sorry, but other than that, I know 'naff all' (English slang colloquialism meaning I'm ignorant) about your glass.   As far as the Belgian material goes, the only name that comes readily to mind is VSL.

[Anik R]

Hi Paul 

My, if you're a 'novice', how do you know so much?    

I really appreciate the information about the 'swirls'...  I think it will take me a VERY long time to know and understand (and remember) all the terminology associated with glass.  Heck, I've still got trouble with colors  :pb:  (Hey, but at least now I know -- thanks to Sue -- that the base doesn't have a 'pontil' but a 'pontil mark'...  hee hee  )

I've looked, previously, into Val Saint Lambert, but to be honest, I couldn't find anything remotely similar.  But I'd like to stress, however, that my vase really is a lovely one.  It looks and feels like a quality piece.  Maybe another kind and knowledgable soul will come along and give me a few suggestions?


Thank you 

[Anik R]

A very polite and gentle bump 

[Anik R]

Another very polite bump for this little, unassuming vase.  And some extra pictures.  Thank you.

[rosieposie]

Hello Anik,  I love your little vase, and I am so pleased you gave it a nudge....it means those of us who missed it first time round get to have a go!

When I first looked,  I did think Holmgaard,  then remembered seeing similar shapes from Leerdam.have you thought of Leerdam?
 
I am certain it is quality, and will keep looking for you,  in case I come across anything similar.

What a mine of information on blown/molded glass you are Paul.....if I ever graduate from glass animals to glassware,  you will be the forst I consult.....I don't think you are as much a novice as you purport.

[Anik R]

I haven't thought of Holmegaard or Leerdam -- to be honest, I no nothing of either glassworks :pb: but I will gladly look into it.  Thank you, Rosie!