Topic: Signed Gourd-Shaped Vase

[Pinkspoons]

I bought this recently because I love this kind of cased decoration, but I can't for the life of me make out the important part of the signature to the base. I've Googled all the variations that seem to spring out, but have yielded nothing. But the second line clearly reads 'int collection'.

The vase is 21cm tall and 18cm diameter, has a moulded base and a fire-polished rim.

Any clues?

Much appreciated.

[dirk.]

Hi Nic,
I think it reads ´Richartz art collection´. Things with this signature
turn up regularly on ebay. de - mainly vases. You may find something
similar there...
As far as I know they were manufactured at Mathildenhütte in Solingen;
don´t know if they still exist though.

[Pinkspoons]

Thanks for the signature translation - so much for it clearly reading "int collection"! 

Have found a few similar and identical pieces, now I know what to look for - but information on the glassworks does seem to be rather low on the ground.

[Pinkspoons]

From what I've gathered, the 'Richartz' is Hans-Jürgen Richartz, German painter and glass-artist, designing for Mathildenhütte glassworks. I've not managed to find an approximate date for the vase - yet - but stylistically, it could be anywhere from 1970 onwards.

Edit: Have found reference to a piece for Mathildenhütte signed 'Richartz 80', presumably 1980.