Topic: Christmas Tree Lamp-work paperweight ? Caithness

[Alsretro]

This will be on Ebay as from this evening. Polished flat to the base, this weighs just over 1.12kg, measuring 4 1/2ins high and around 3 3/4ins at its widest. I'm pretty sure it is Caithness but more than happy to be corrected.

[KevinH]

I think it is Chinese.

Similar ones, using powdered glass rather than true overlay technique, were certainly produced back in 1999/2000.

[Alsretro]

Thanks for the information and as said - happy to be corrected
Alastair

[KevinH]

I have checked the Chinese catalogue I have that shows these items and the colours and making match for all parts including the multi-colour tree inside. There were two sizes (but actual size is not stated) and they had "typical" Chinese three-footed, pierced wooden stands as well.

[Alsretro]

Ach well. Would be very grateful if you could email me an image from the catalogue. Maybe I was just being too hopeful but as it says on the listing, the same source as some quality Whitefriars and Caithness weights in the past and the the outline and measurements are akin to some Caithness weights such as this https://www.jamespirie.com/brands/caithness/limited-edition-paperweights/woodland-seasons-winter.html Thanks again for the advice.
Alastair

[KevinH]

Three reference photos sent via email.

[Alsretro]

Thanks for this KevinH. Listing amended to make clear what this is and as I've said in my message - I wonder if this should be in the Paperweights section for the information of a wider audience? There was no sign of this weight on any searches I did. With dimensions and general style very similar to some Caithness weights, I doubt I'd be the only person to think they'd done better than they had but maybe not
Alastair

[chopin-liszt]

  If it's any consolation, I didn't think to correct Caihness, it looked good enough to me. 
All the cutting (including the round the body bits) is not inconsistent, the style is not inconsistent.
I didn't enlarge the blow-ups to look at the details better until Kev spoke up, and I think that is where it falls down. The trunk of the tree is not neat, and the branches are not "tight" enough, and the bubbles around it aren't neat enough either.

[Alsretro]

Phew Sue but I agree - the more I've looked at it - especially the tree - but that rule I've gone by of putting things down with a matt base whereas the polishing on this one - just shows to go. I'm leaving it up for sale but if it doesn't go, I do like how it is when under-lit and it would certainly brighten a dark corner come Christmas
Alastair

[chopin-liszt]

The quality of glass from China is really increasing.
And a nice bit of glass is always a nice bit of glass, no matter who made it or where it comes from.
It does appear to be a bit "Caithness-inspired".