Topic: Amazing engraved Glass Portrait - Bohemian / Cobalt Blue w. sig

[Jay]

A friend recently acquired this huge monumental piece. Looks to be Bohemian and one side is covered with lenses. Perhaps 1960's? There's an illegible signature but it hasn't led to any information so far. Can anybody help to put us on the right track?

Mavium ch sopel (k) ??

Height 53 cm Diameter 20 cm

[chopin-liszt]

  Probably not the slightest bit of use for this piece, Jay but I did make a discovery recently and it's your little round lenses reminded me. (I do like lots of small round lenses).
There are vintage small ball ashtrays covered in these small round lenses, they come in this cobalt blue and a ruby red. I found out they are made by Hortensja.
It might come in handy for you some day, if not today. 
But you do have a whole wall of small round lenses there. 
These pretty things:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Bohemian-Glass-Ashtray-Art-Deco-Style-Lovely-Cobalt-Blue-amp-Clear-/153953733861?nma=true&si=37Q4cSX8k2R%252BROBGlXElhuWbibE%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

[flying free]

At least two more appear on Pinterest but I can't get the original listing up:
https://www.pinterest.at/pin/498632989985245582/

https://www.pinterest.at/pin/498632989985245582/

and there is another one with just a horse on that I think maybe by the same artist

Then there is this cut in the same way but no cameo

https://www.pinterest.at/pin/113786328064379843/

and no description really of it - here on Live Auctioneers:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/10737099_418-20th-c-bohemian-cut-crystal-compote
m

[Ekimp]

And one in red showing a golfer: https://www.ebay.com/itm/21-Bohemian-Crystal-Ruby-Red-Overlay-Cut-to-Clear-Intaglio-GOLFER-Trophy-VASE/363025265840?hash=item5485fdf4b0:g:nEgAAOSwBPFauCNU

[Jay]

Thanks all. Seems like everything is consistent for 1960s Bohemia but still no actual identification of the producer or the signature. I'll keep searching!

[flying free]

It's a long shot but it might be worth contacting Caesar Crystal to see if they know who may have made it

http://www.caesar-crystal.cz/en/summary/?strana=16&sortiment=vase&velikost=0%3B2600


http://www.caesar-crystal.cz/en/contacts/

[Jay]

Thanks! I've dropped them an email...let's see!

[Ekimp]

There is a similar one (different shape) on eBay here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AN-EXCEPTIONAL-BOHEMIAN-BLUE-VASE-ENGRAVED-WITH-PORTRAIT-OF-A-POPE/153920120877

That one shows Pope John Paul II so is after 1978. It is also annotated Jan Pawel II, which is the polish version of his name. Don’t know much about Catholicism but would anyone but the Polish use the Polish version?

Edited to add, I didn’t check if other languages use the same spelling, such as Czech.

[flying free]

Ekimp I saw that one and assumed it was Polish but discounted linking it because it wasn't the same style vase.  These cameo vases do appear from time to time depending on I guess, whether or not a glass artist is around (and working for a company) working in that style. 

I also wondered if the one in the OP is Polish because of the wave type cutting on the vase though to be honest.

[flying free]

and to answer your question - maybe Hungary might use that name as well?

Ajka Crystal as another name in the ring for the vase possibly?