Topic: Amethyst Squat Vase with Yellow/Orange Streaks and Unusual Iridescence

[Greg.]

Hi All,

Would welcome any thoughts on this small amethyst conical shaped vase with clear glass casing.

Orange/yellow streaks of colour throughout the amethyst. What I thought unusual for Mdina is the film/mirror like iridescence which is completely uniform across the vase. The iridescence is unlike other pieces I have which have random streaks of iridescence from the use of silver chloride. The film like iridescence on this piece looks like it may have been fumed with stannous chloride given the uniform film like nature of the iridescence. The base is the only part that is not iridised, probably due to, grinding/polishing, picture 4 does however, hopefully manage to show the contrast between the base and the finish to the rest of the vase.

Picture 3 has been taken held up into the light which shows the internal colours better.

The vase measures approx 10.6cm in diameter and just under 7cm tall.

All thoughts welcome.

Many thanks,
Greg

[chopin-liszt]

My thoughts are veering more towards Mtarfa than Mdina.
But not a lot more than that, I'm afraid.

[glassobsessed]

Seconded, Mtarfa was my (strong) first impression too, I have seen this combination a few times before.

Wayne has one with what looks like similar colours on ebay here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mtarfa-Maltese-Organic-Purple-Striped-Glass-Vase-Label-/121967132490

John

[Greg.]

Thanks both, Mtarfa looks spot on, quite a pleasing colour combination 

Out of interest was stannous chloride used at Mtarfa?

[chopin-liszt]

Yes, Christine has a very pretty paperweight with stannous chloride inside it. (piccie in link below)
I sort of recognise the colour combination, (not with a surface iridesence though). The shape is Mtarfa.

http://lustrousstone.co.uk/cpg/displayimage.php?pid=1024

[Greg.]

Thanks Sue