Topic: Intriguing 'Head' Vase

[robbo]

I bought this yesterday, more a large goblet shape really. A bit scary too!

Smiling
Grimace
Side View
Base with pontil

It seems well-finished, a two-part mould (the seams are hidden by the side projections). The base has a polished pontil in the centre, not shiny polished, but more slightly matt, silky smooth. The edge of the base looks fire-polished.

As ever, very grateful for any help!

Robbo

[Max]

I think these are called 'Tikki' bowls, or something like that.  I've got about 3 in my shed, and I heard on the grapevine they were used in a chain of shops/restaurants for ice-cream in the past.  I'm pretty sure they've been on the GMB before too...I don't think any manufacturer was pinned down.   

Edit: http://www.glassmessages.com/index.php/topic,6365.0.html

[robbo]

Thanks Max, that's interesting reading. It's about the right size for ice cream. Like you say in the other thread, not a very glorious provenance. It seems better made than most Ravenshead I've seen though.

Robbo

[Pip]

Tiki barware is massive in the States.  Early last year, I bought two pottery mugs with faces a little like yours from a car boot and listed them as Tiki mugs on eBay - they had an incredible number of watchers and sold for around £30 to a Tiki enthusiast in America (I paid 50p each for them).  So I'd strongly recommend you use the word Tiki in your listing if you're going to sell them on eBay and bung them in collectibles as well as glass categories.  They should do quite well.

[robbo]

Thank everyone,

Searching completed items brings up quite a few of this design all in the US (possibly an American manufacturer?).
There's a frosted one, printed with Walt Disney World / Polynesian Village 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190072637453 Mod: Link dead

Mine was only £2 but it doesn't look as if it's going to pay for the flight to Tahiti to use it 

Robbo