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Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass => Topic started by: wesley on September 04, 2008, 08:57:47 PM

Title: Is this Scandinavian?
Post by: wesley on September 04, 2008, 08:57:47 PM

Hello,

Can anyone help me identify this small dish / ash tray measuring approx 4 inches across. Within the glass is what looks like a white net which makes me think it might be scandinavian.

It is unsigned, has a flat base and has a lot of wear indicating that it has some age to it.

Kind regards,

Wes

Title: Re: Is this Scandinavian?
Post by: taylog1 on September 05, 2008, 05:32:09 AM

I believe that the technique is called merletto - pieces seen are usually believed to by either by Harrtil (Harrachov ?) or Archimede Seguso. (the books often misattribute pieces between the two makers, so I'd caution against identifying the maker based on any one book).

bit more here   http://www.modernistglass.com/glasspieces/view/1932


taylog1

Title: Re: Is this Scandinavian?
Post by: Sklounion on September 05, 2008, 11:13:45 AM

Hi,
This looks like the Harrachov version, known as Harrtil glass. Mostly designed by Milan Metelák, Maria Stáhlíková, and  Milena Velíšková for Harrachov. However some Harrtil glass is also thought to have been designed by Ludvika Smrčková for, and made by, the Chřlbská glassworks.
Harrtil is made using glass fibre material which is then cased in glass. Merletto is similar, but does not, as far as I can remember, use fabric in its manufacture.
Regards,
Marcus

Title: Re: Is this Scandinavian?
Post by: shandiane78 on September 05, 2008, 06:07:00 PM

Here's the difference I've noticed - The Czech ones have a woven crosshatch look, while the Seguso's merletto pieces are more like threaded cords laid next to each other:

Title: Re: Is this Scandinavian?
Post by: wesley on September 06, 2008, 08:41:06 PM

Thank you all for help identifying this piece.

I also look forward to getting my hands on your book Marcus!!


Wes

Title: Re: Is this Scandinavian?
Post by: langhaugh on September 07, 2008, 06:18:38 AM

Just a note to add that it's same netting used in all Harrtil, at least all that I've seen, a three thread by three thread pattern, although one of the strands has the three filaments wound closely together.

When it's said that Metelak designed Harrtil, does that mean that he developed the mesh that went into the glass  or the glass as well? Also, did they all carry the Harrtil label? A couple of the Harrtil pieces I have seem quite stylistically different from the others. For example, I have three wine glasses (they have  mesh in the bowl) which are much lighter glass than the other pieces. Can Marcus give us a hint if he covers this in his book?

David

Title: Re: Is this Scandinavian?
Post by: Sklounion on September 07, 2008, 07:16:05 AM

Hi David,
Miloš Pulpitel developed the technique, from @ 1954-55. Milan Metelák, Maria Stáhlíková, and  Milena Velíšková designed items using this new technique.
Harrtil is not covered in the current book.
Regards,
Marcus