Topic: Aqua hollow fish with trailing, open tail - any info please

[wolkenreb]

Has anyone seen these before? They are completely hollow and COULD be used as vases as the tails are open. A trail of glass wound all the way around. The larger measures 8 x 4" and the smaller 5 x 3".  No base markings, except for a random looking score in each. I find them quite attractive but have no where they came feom or when.

Any help much appreciated!

[Frank]

Looks like recycled glass, possibly a Mediterranean resort. Similar form but different approach to French Bendor.

[David E]

My first thought was a decorative bottle, but the spout of the smaller one is half-way down the body. One for Ivo, perhaps. Nice fishes!

[Ivo]

Spanish recycled seems to get closest - perhaps even a more prestigious maker like Gordiola.  The glassmaker is highly skilled, but only uses a single colour. Empoli verde is like that - but these fush do not seem to have that age.

[wolkenreb]

Thank you all for your replies. It hadn't occurred to me that they were recycled glass, so thank you for that! And probably Spanish - I'll have a look at what I can find on Gordiola.

I had a feeling they were old-ish, just from the style really. Does anyone know how long recycled glass has been in use for decorative wares?

Thanks again 

[Frank]

Does anyone know how long recycled glass has been in use for decorative wares?

Quite a long time, particularly Mexico, Africa as well as Europe. Lower set-up cost and equipment needed. So cool all round for the environment and great for artists on low budget.

[Ivo]

The Spanish started using single source recycled glass in the 1980s and founded the factories in mexico as well.

[chopin-liszt]

I have just been leafing though "A Short History of Glass" (1990, Chloe Zerwick, pub. in association with the Corning Museum).
On p.70, there is a picture of a couple of items illustrating the chapter "American Glass", which shows a footed goblet and a covered pokal in aqua glass with drippy bits and fine strapping. The lid of the pokal has a coin in a bubble and a hen on top.

It is described as;
"Blown jug and sugar bowl with furnace-worked decoration. New York State, c.1835-1850 ...

Aquamarine glass is typical of New York State Glass, and these pieces were probably done in the worker's own time."

I immediately saw a big similairty between these bits and these fish.

[wolkenreb]

Thanks guys for the info on recycled glass 

Sue - how interesting! I did have a look at the Gordiola Glass website and I could see similarities there, especially with the trailing, or is it strapping, and 'stuck on' bits. It'll be interesting to hear what others might think about the possible NY connection. Thank you!