Topic: Peculiar 'Dostal' or 'Oostal' paperweight

[Max]

I bought this the other day, hoping that it was by Vladimir Dostal - perhaps Beranek, as the listing said 'L Dostal' and I thought maybe they'd misread the 'V'.  It's a really peculiar piece, and now I've got it, I still don't know - even with the signature.

About 3" square and about 2" high, featuring a submerged slice of blue glass with mirror glass () inset into it and silver splash design.

The thing is well made, with bevelled edges and geometric style cuts to the top edges.  See pics for photo of signature.  I got a few hits for Oostal on Google, but no glass studios...   :?:

http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-4241

http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-4242

http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-4240

http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-4239   Signature

Edited to remove double photo.

[josordoni]

There is a place called Oosta on the Gulf Islands in British Columbia, that is apparently a haven for artists... I can't find anything definite, but there looked like a little accent between the a and l in Oostal, maybe it is from one of the artists there?

[Sue C]

Hi Max, i think it is Dostal, on the Beranek  site they do sell square and cubed weights and other designes by Dostal, hope you struck lucky

[Max]

Thanks Lynne & Dexter   The trouble is, I just can't square the amount of work involved in this design with a small studio.  It seems unlikely that a small group of artisans could make something like this, doesn't it?  On the other hand, L Dosta'l (I've tried all manner of variations) doesn't come up with anything.  Dostal is presumably a Czech name, but I can't find anything like this anywhere - but perhaps that person isn't producing glass now...and it doesn't account for the apostrophe.   :roll:

If no-one comes up with anything, I will email Beranek.  That will shut off one avenue at least!

Edit:  I've rooted around and I'm thinking the apostrophe is actually an accent over the a.  That would link in with Czech and possibly Polish spelling of the name Dostal.

[Max]

Oh well.  I emailed Beranek and they said it's not one of theirs.  It was very kind of them to answer though.