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Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass => Topic started by: GaMtnGrl on December 05, 2024, 07:06:28 PM

Title: Josef Svarc Thistle Vase - Close copy or real thing?
Post by: GaMtnGrl on December 05, 2024, 07:06:28 PM

Greetings -

I have had this cylinder vase in my possession for 15+ years. I have tried several times to identify who may have created it. I'm trying to get an idea of what its value might be? It's definitely crystal, very thick cylinder. It stands 10" high. It closely resembles the Josef Svarc Thistle vases, but there is no signature and I honestly think this is likely a copy, albeit a very good one. Any idea who may have created this?

Thank you in advance!

Carla

Title: Re: Josef Svarc Thistle Vase - Close copy or real thing?
Post by: chopin-liszt on December 07, 2024, 01:44:29 PM

Comparing the cut on this vase to a Svarc bell I have, I'm afraid it is very different.
The top of your thistle has far too many thin spikes. My Svarc has 5 small mitre cuts, and above that, very fine parallel curved lines set at random angles to emulate the thistledown.
Under the  thistle, my Svarc has a sort of cut gooseberry/bulb swelling shape made from three cuts, satinated on the outside two cuts.
The "leafy part" at the bottom is a very abstract bundle of cuts of different depths and lengths.

Your vase is pretty, but I do not think it is Svarc.
I once found a pressed glass tray that also looked as if the Svarc thistle pattern was the inspiration, it was made from a very poor quality yellow glass and although the pressing was complex, it was not finished off nicely.
It is a spectacular and famous design. It is bound to be emulated.

Title: Re: Josef Svarc Thistle Vase - Close copy or real thing?
Post by: Ekimp on December 09, 2024, 08:28:50 PM

Presumably this is the vase design that was the inspiration, the cutting is very different: https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/279435-cut-glass-vase-by-josef-varc-and-jirin

There are quite a few of the op’s design vase online, for example, these two with labels:

This one Czechoslovakia (on a French label)
https://www.selency.co.uk/p/YFYURV7E/soliflore-boheme-tchecoslovaquie-decor-floral-handmade-intaglio-shesele

This one Czech Republic
https://www.finn.no/recommerce/forsale/item/232958945

Title: Re: Josef Svarc Thistle Vase - Close copy or real thing?
Post by: Anne on December 09, 2024, 10:14:09 PM

Hi Carla, and welcome to the board. It's a very attractive vase for sure, regardless of who made it.