Topic: Somethings not right with this, IMO - Pantano "Reef"

[misha]

From my opinion, this piece has not been described correctly. 

There are a number of features that do not comply with all 'Reef' vases [including one I own] that I have seen 'in hand' and online.
I also state this from the position of a collector of Chris Pantano works since 1992, having in excess of 18 works dating from 1986 that show a variety of techniques used in production over the years, and specific to this subject items era.

In saying that and not professing to be an absolute authority on this artists works.
I encourage all other collectors familiar with Pantano works to offer their opinion on said piece.
I do not seek to buy this item, even if consensus is that it could be genuine.
My intent is to buy other series of Pantano works to add to my collection.... difficult while living well below the poverty line.

I appreciate artists do experiment and vary characteristics such as signatures and locations, but some things are less inclined to change, especially during this Pantano production era, like the production number and date. 

Perhaps we can agree some things don't add up here and save someone grief, and avoid being sunk on this Reef.

AUSTRALIAN STUDIO ART GLASS VASE '' REEF '' BY C PANTANO
eBay item number: 381736709074

IMO, Points of contention are:

1) Use of " " in the title engraved on base.  None of the titled pieces I have exhibit this. Not all are titled, those of a series such as Reef, Rainforest, Fire Opal, Outback, Dreamtime more often than not are.

2) Flame polished pontil scar, something I have never seen on a Pantano work.

3) Omission of production number and date engraved on base.

4) Graphic detail in design is lacking all colour and variety found on Reef vases and bottles.  No jellyfish, no bubbles, little variety in corals, limited colours presenting all round, no dichroic elements in coral or sea.  Furthermore, the sea blue is not consistent with all Reef I've seen - the colour isn't spun around the body as per usual. The subject item has a far more translucent blotchy appearance.

5) Omission of a clear applied rim - a standard feature on all Reef vase production I've ever seen. Same applied round rim to Rainforest, True Blue, Outback, Noosa, Wildflowers has always appeared on vases and bowls.

6) Location of signature not in a typical location for Reef series works of this size. Engraving is usually located around the flat ground, mirror polished base rim. This is less so a definite indication of something questionable [IMO], because I have Pantano works signed between polished rim and pontil [as per this piece], around  outside, on pontil button/scar, and across base of totally flat ground/polished base thats had pontil scar totally ground out.

7) Under better light I will check the type of engraving tool used in this production era. It would appear a rotary grinder tool has not been used on the subject, which is consistent with all my pieces of this era. 

8.) Under better light I will also check form of signatures appearing on my pieces of this era.  I need decent light to photograph clearly too. 

I am fully aware that the Reef series has been copied in the past.
Can't say I've seen an odd one turn up like this though;
A) I have a Ricardo Studio vase which has no applied rim - nice piece that is a close match to Pantano work, however is signed [small] but no title nor date / production number.
B) I have seen modern Chinese production that is an obvious copy of the Reef design, however lacking detail or way over the top decoration level. Usually large size an weight.
 

[brewster]

Well, what detective work! I have my doubts, though, about your doubts. My theory is it is an early example of Reef, before many of the embellishments were developed. I haven't handled a lot of Pantano works, so this is an inexpert opinion based mostly on Internet research.

There is a similar item shown here which appears to me to share your points 2, 4 and 5 - although it clearly does not share 1, 3 and 6. I can't see 7 clearly enough to tell. From the handwriting of the signature, I think all are genuine, so your point 8 is shared as well.

The production number on the item I have illustrated appears to make the date 1992, whereas all the other Reef series I can find on the Internet are dated 1995 or thereabouts. That would make it a very early specimen. In the intervening period, Jonathon Westacott started working for Pantano, with his wealth of experience from training with John Elsegood at Wagga Wagga and his time at the Jam Factory. It would not be surprising to see a major lift in Pantano's products in this time.

Trevor