Glass Message Board

Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass => Topic started by: flying free on February 13, 2010, 07:11:53 PM

Title: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: flying free on February 13, 2010, 07:11:53 PM
I only bought this because it had a label :) but my research is fast grinding to a halt.
Everything I can find on NASCO is about china rather than glass.  Were or are they, a group of stores?  Was this piece perhaps imported to be sold by them?  The sticker doesn't state 'made in Japan' but merely 'Japan'.  Height is 19.5cm

It reminds me of vases I have seen marked Alrose (Italian?).  It is white interior, quite thick, then the layer of swirls then cased clear.  The rim is polished.
Does anyone have any ideas on this one please?
many thanks
m
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: glassobsessed on February 13, 2010, 09:31:36 PM
Know what you mean about the similarity, wondered where the Nasco ones were coming from (never seen one with a label before :clap:), only started seeing them about 1-2 years ago. They may have been around before but I had never noticed them. Also found in blue and green swirly versions.

John
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: flying free on February 13, 2010, 10:36:07 PM
mm, actually I should correct myself, when I said 'marked Alrose' I haven't seen them 'marked' Alrose I have only seen them attributed to Alrose.  I don't think I have seen one in my searches with a label on.  However this reminded me of them.
It only cost me £3 and I just thought it would be interesting to know where it was made if possible.  I've never seen one before.  I'll keep an eye out.  It came from a very small oddity shop full of all sorts of ephemera and not much glass.
thanks for replying.
m
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: kane_u_pain on February 15, 2010, 10:19:01 AM
Nasco is an import/export company. Is a generic label. Your glass would be extremely newish in origin. Although thankfully you bought it for a reference source. Maybe Chinese in origin or could be Japanese. Absolutely no distinction with the labels.  >:(
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: Lustrousstone on February 15, 2010, 10:26:22 AM
I would have said that style of label dated from the 1950s/60s. Japanese companies seem to have been big importers to the UK then but generally of products made in Japan.
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: flying free on February 15, 2010, 08:45:48 PM
Many thanks Kane and Christine :)
I'll continue to have a search around.
m
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: kane_u_pain on February 16, 2010, 04:36:00 AM
I have managed to come across this though while persuing Nasco at work for a bit of fun...i tried through google.co.jp...hoping I might get better results...sadly no!!!

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/auctions/Nasco-Purple-Glass-Vase-wGold-Trim-5621578.html

 :pb:

Back to the drawing bored... :sleep:





Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: Lustrousstone on February 16, 2010, 07:34:33 AM
Well that's definitely not Japanese, Empoli probably.  I still don't think your vase is modern or Chinese, maybe Italian. A lot of the importers had/have stuff made specifically for them so we may never know the answers.
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: flying free on February 16, 2010, 10:56:37 PM
Thanks both  :)
Kane, good find as I found no glass labelled with the Nasco label on my searches however I'm going to use a different search engine and see what that throws up.
Christine, my thoughts are my vase is definitely not Japanese as if it was I suspect it would have 'Made in Japan' on it.   I do think it is older rather than more recent, and I don't think it is Chinese.  That said, it's probably because I do have some cased glass that I believe is Chinese and this vase has a much more opaque thicker lining than those pieces and is a much more substantial piece of glass all round.  However, I have also recently seen cased glass that I had thought was Chinese (seen quite a few of them around and about suddenly) which does have a thicker white inner lining  :-\ plus as John mentioned, he has suddenly noticed these more recently.
My gut instinct when I picked it up was Italian.  Then  again I often play the guessing game on here just to see if I am learning anything  ;D and find out I was totally wrong ::)
Note to self - next time buy something with a label which says 'made in...' if I want to research it :)
Thank you to all for your valued input and thoughts.  They are much appreciated.
m
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: Lustrousstone on February 17, 2010, 07:34:30 AM
Over here in the UK where there was no requirement for country of origin labelling much post-war stuff from Japan and Germany was simply labelled Foreign for obvious reasons, so I wouldn't expect a Made in Japan label. There is and was a glass industry in Japan though.
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: flying free on February 17, 2010, 10:50:04 PM
Having now thought about it, Christine I think you are right about the 'made in' not necessarily would have been there.  
Alas I had a quick look round the house and we only have two pieces definitely made in Japan, one lacquer ware and one ceramic (both presents from Japan a long time ago) and both are signed in Japanese characters but sadly no labels.  
However, look what I found :)
no marks though but the pattern looks so similar don't you think?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Opaque-glass-vase-white-blue-orange-swill-design_W0QQitemZ320488280154QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Art_Glass?hash=item4a9e97105a

and then these
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pair-of-Pretty-Glass-Vases_W0QQitemZ250581001778QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Art_Glass?hash=item3a57caa632

thanks again for your interest all.
m
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: kane_u_pain on February 18, 2010, 03:49:52 AM
Many times I change the google country destination as the results shown can change a little or greatly. Although I only went up to page 8 or 9 on google.co.jp, as the ceramics were becoming mildly irritating LOL. Still no company information though! Maybe one day more information will come to light.

Interesting finds on the ebay search flying free! Could they be related!?
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: Lustrousstone on February 18, 2010, 07:30:34 AM
The second pair are certainly related. They all look nicely made and although bright lack the clumsiness of some modern Chinese. If the seller of the orange pair is being truthful then their purchase in the 60s or 70s seems likely.
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: glassobsessed on February 18, 2010, 10:02:24 PM
Remembered the other day that a friend has a couple of the vases so here are some snaps.

First is a photo of the style that tends to get called Alrose, the small blue and white vase has a 'Foreign' label on the base.

The third photo is a 'Nasco' next to the similar 'Alrose' vase.

John
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: flying free on February 18, 2010, 10:13:51 PM
ooh lovely John - thank you for that :)
The 'Nasco' vase is remarkably similar in proportion isn't it? And it is definitely the family of mine I feel?
Christine I think the pair are a match as well, and even the blue and orange one I posted, the stripes look as though they are the same?

So... worth searching some more - I'm going to try and find an Alrose marked as Alrose.
I do like this little vase, but to be honest, I'm not keen on the shape of mine (the bowling pin shape). I do like the shape of the brown and orange pair more though.
thanks again all.
m
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: Lustrousstone on February 19, 2010, 08:20:40 AM
One of the thoughts I had yesterday and then forgot to post was Alrose or Elme as possibilities
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: flying free on February 19, 2010, 09:58:36 AM
There are a number of vases attributed to Alrose here
http://www.20thcenturyglass.com/glass_encyclopedia/murano_glass/alrose_glass/alroseglass_home.html

and it states at the top that some of these are in Leslie Pina's books Italian Glass Century 20 and Fifties glass.

Interesting that the bowling pin shape of mine is there as well.  There are orange and white ones but none with the three colour swirls.

On the hunt for one with a label now the same shape as mine.
m
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: kane_u_pain on February 21, 2010, 02:08:30 AM
Remembered the other day that a friend has a couple of the vases so here are some snaps.

First is a photo of the style that tends to get called Alrose, the small blue and white vase has a 'Foreign' label on the base.

The third photo is a 'Nasco' next to the similar 'Alrose' vase.

John

If I remember correctly, the 'Foreign' label was applied to goods out of Japan after WWII. This was due to trade agreements set up after this time and foreign investment in the country. It was meant to establish what were home made goods and what was imported. Without getting into boring Economics. I believe the red labels pre date the blue ones. Tinker-Taylor posted a piece which is definitely Japanese a few months ago with a blue 'Foreign' label.

I think they stopped being used in the 70's onwards as Japan become more independent from the U.S and Europe and trade agreements changed.

No all we need is more info on Nasco!!!  :huh: So your piece I am assuming is an Imported piece of glass outside of Japan and of better quality as you can see from pic 3.  :hiclp:


Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: glassobsessed on March 03, 2010, 11:52:59 PM
Here's one in brown green and white: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MURANO-TWISTED-GLASS-GREENS-WHITES-BROWNS-29CM-T_W0QQitemZ310202655594QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Art_Glass?hash=item483984e36a
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: flying free on March 04, 2010, 12:01:42 AM
gosh, I could have had a whole collection of them by now - should have bought the previous ones as I think they might look quite funky all together  ;D
Just need to find one with a label now then I'll regret not buying them  ::)
thanks John
m
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: Lustrousstone on March 04, 2010, 07:27:40 AM
Nah, that one's no good; the water would run out. It's certainly turning into an interesting range and one that would look good en masse.
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: flying free on March 05, 2010, 06:50:06 PM
Kane thank very much for your information :)
I missed that one but am going to keep an eye out now.  Christine I am growing to like it and it does sit well with my multi coloured selection of cased glass so perhaps a couple more just to keep it company :o
m
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: Tigerchips on March 07, 2010, 03:30:28 PM
Alrose was an importer or retailer as the stickers are also found on pottery. The stickers found on pottery have the "an alrose original made in italy" label.
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: flying free on March 08, 2010, 11:18:52 PM
thanks TC  :) 
Off to the boxes with it then until something turns up perhaps in the future.
I still think it is probably Italian, but not a shred of evidence  ;D
m
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: flying free on March 13, 2010, 09:37:21 AM
errrh hemmm - I'm obviously going to be quite rich soon then ;D


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1960s-Dino-Martens-Glass-Art-Vase_W0QQitemZ290410462999QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Art_Glass?hash=item439dcfff17

Just a small overclaim   :o  or is it labelled? 
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: glassobsessed on March 13, 2010, 02:17:58 PM
No bids... yet.  :24:

John
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: glassobsessed on March 15, 2010, 11:38:04 PM
Here is the blue green colourway. (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170457877400&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT)
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: flying free on March 16, 2010, 12:01:37 AM
Now that I like!  very nice.
thanks
m
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: kane_u_pain on March 16, 2010, 08:28:06 AM
Loving all the pieces that you have linked! Great range. Can't wait to see more pieces that show up with the Foreign label as well.
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: flying free on February 02, 2011, 08:02:59 PM
Interesting auction on our favourite site -
one vase with a label that reads 'Opaline' the other two with the Nasco Japan stickers - auction no 230578716419
does the 'Opaline' label look Italian?
m
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: glassobsessed on February 03, 2011, 12:25:28 AM
Here's a link to the auction (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230578716419&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.ebay.co.uk%3A80%2F%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp2497.m570.l1313%26_nkw%3D230578716419%26_sacat%3DSee-All-Categories%26_fvi%3D1&_rdc=1).

I don't know but it's interesting that they turn up like that in America too.

John
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: kane_u_pain on February 03, 2011, 05:29:12 AM
The Opaline sticker does look Italian to me. See what others have to say. What an interesting combination in the one auction and all with labels!
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: flying free on February 03, 2011, 02:26:09 PM
It does look as though both vases on the far left and far right have the 'Opaline' sticker actually.  Which indicates that one of them had both the 'Opaline' sticker and a Nasco Japan sticker if I read that correctly.  You can just see the edge of the Opaline sticker on the right hand vase.
I think the Opaline sticker looks Italian as well.
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: Wayne on October 31, 2011, 10:44:54 AM
Hi all, I missed this thread first time round, but just came across is when doing some research for these Alrose type bud vases.  First things first, some eye candy:

(http://www.20thcenturyglass.com/images/glassmessages/thumbs/alrose01.jpg) (http://www.20thcenturyglass.com/images/glassmessages/alrose01.jpg) (http://www.20thcenturyglass.com/images/glassmessages/thumbs/alrose02.jpg) (http://www.20thcenturyglass.com/images/glassmessages/alrose02.jpg) (http://www.20thcenturyglass.com/images/glassmessages/thumbs/alrose03.jpg) (http://www.20thcenturyglass.com/images/glassmessages/alrose03.jpg) (http://www.20thcenturyglass.com/images/glassmessages/thumbs/alrose04.jpg) (http://www.20thcenturyglass.com/images/glassmessages/alrose04.jpg) (http://www.20thcenturyglass.com/images/glassmessages/thumbs/alrose05.jpg) (http://www.20thcenturyglass.com/images/glassmessages/alrose05.jpg)

(http://www.20thcenturyglass.com/images/glassmessages/thumbs/alrose06.jpg) (http://www.20thcenturyglass.com/images/glassmessages/alrose06.jpg) (http://www.20thcenturyglass.com/images/glassmessages/thumbs/alrose07.jpg) (http://www.20thcenturyglass.com/images/glassmessages/alrose07.jpg) (http://www.20thcenturyglass.com/images/glassmessages/thumbs/alrose08.jpg) (http://www.20thcenturyglass.com/images/glassmessages/alrose08.jpg) (http://www.20thcenturyglass.com/images/glassmessages/thumbs/alrose09.jpg) (http://www.20thcenturyglass.com/images/glassmessages/alrose09.jpg)


I found the thread both interesting and confusing!  I’ve always assumed these were “probably” from the same range as the larger vases + decanters we have seen with Italian labels [Link (http://www.glassmessages.com/index.php/topic,4261.0.html)], although the swirls go in opposite directions.

That last auction link is no longer working, but I think I found a working link, they must have been relisted:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Swirl-Glass-Bud-Vases-One-Opaline-Two-Nasco-Japan-/330625139300

So, they have a very Italian/Empoli look, and sometimes have Italian style “Opaline” labels, but they also come with Nasco “Japan” labels, as well as the one with a “Foreign” label that John posted, which would also indicate Japan.  To add to that, there is a range of bowls/ashtrays in the same pattern and colours, which Anita has ID’d as being made by Kamei of Japan.  Some links below of the bowls:

http://www.glassmessages.com/index.php/topic,39710.0.html
http://www.glassmessages.com/index.php/topic,20234.0.html
http://www.glassmessages.com/index.php/topic,42912.0.html


So what I’m wondering is, could these vases and bowls all be made by Kamei in Japan, in the style of Italian/Empoli glass, maybe inspired by the "Alrose" range, and given Italian style Opaline labels, and then marketed/imported to the UK and USA by Nasco?


Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: Wayne on October 31, 2011, 11:48:26 AM
Still digging, found a glass jug with the swirl pattern, with a label that reads "Kamei America Group, Inc Made in Japan":

http://www.rubylane.com/item/497664-rl00577/Kamei-Blue-White-Japanese-Art

Also found a similar shaped pottery bud vase with the same Nasco label:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NASCO-GOLD-FLEUR-DES-LIS-WHITE-VASE-W-GOLD-ACCENTS-7-1-4-T-JAPAN-W-TAG-/330632348470

As well as some pottery bowls with the Nasco mark printed on:

http://www.iaaf-treasures.com/index.php/cPath/33_224?osCsid=3618fcd37b38b2709fa501e9456e0935
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: glassobsessed on October 31, 2011, 12:53:53 PM
It's looking likely at the moment Wayne, I think you are spot on with your assessment of the current 'state of play'. Though I guess there is also the possibility that they were produced without reference to the Alrose range.

John
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: Ivo on October 31, 2011, 01:35:20 PM
Yup - it's the generic Made in Italy label.
Title: Re: NASCO Japan - swirled orange and purple cased vase
Post by: Wayne on November 02, 2011, 06:54:10 PM
Regarding the larger striped vases + decanters that we know are Italian, like the one Ivo posted...I've seen people mention a few times in various threads that they have never actually seen one labelled Alrose.  Here's one I just happened to come across:

http://theendofhistoryshop.blogspot.com/2011/03/another-murano-mystery.html