Topic: 3 new glass pieces - much ID needed CAITHNESS MURANO?

[Cathy B]

Carolyn,

So what makes mine murano (as identified by I think Frank) and this one Chalet

I think it's the cased white, metallic inclusions, style, general weight, etc. I don't believe that Chalet was ever of that style.

[Pip]

Carolyn,

So what makes mine murano (as identified by I think Frank) and this one Chalet

I think it's the cased white, metallic inclusions, style, general weight, etc. I don't believe that Chalet was ever of that style.

I agree Cathy - I've not seen any Chalet glass with silver or gold inclusions. Also, have a look at the style of the chunky bases of some of the Chalet pieces on the Blais site - they look (generally speaking) fairly distinctive.

[Max]

Hi Carolyn.     Don't worry about being confused, it's part of learning and it's good you ask questions.

The thing with identifying glass is that you have to take into account a multitude of factors.  Mere shape is never conclusive and as Cathy said, other factors include weight, colour, the finishing of the base or rim, tool-marks, any additions to the glass - such as metal inclusions and over-all 'feel'.

It's only once you've ticked all the boxes that you can make a stab at attribution for an unsigned piece.  Of course, more experienced 'glassies' can get a 'gut feel' about a piece from fewer certainties, but that takes time and a bit of 'sticking your neck out'.   :lol:

Keep asking questions, we're all still learning here (speaking for myself really!) - it never stops, and you'll pick up information as you go along.
 

[Lustrousstone]

The "Chalet" bowl is different from the Murano bowls like Carolyn's. The red one is much deeper, almost vase like, with much bigger inner "petals". It also has only three inner and outer petals.

The Murano ones seem to come in all the colours, with and without bubbles, gold, silver or murrines but they generally seem to be what you could describe as oversized ashtrays and appear to have similar dimensions. The inner petals only stick up about 0.75 inches from the outer ones.

I suspect Chalet has taken a twist on a classic Murano design.

[Max]

Christine said:

I suspect Chalet has taken a twist on a classic Murano design.

I think so.  The Blais site says that Chalet has a Venetian glass influence, and I read somewhere that Chalet was started by a Italian glass craftsman/men.

Can't find the place where I read that though.

[Pip]

Christine said:

I suspect Chalet has taken a twist on a classic Murano design.

I think so.  The Blais site says that Chalet has a Venetian glass influence, and I read somewhere that Chalet was started by a Italian glass craftsman/men.

Can't find the place where I read that though.

Yep that's right Max - the Canadian government flew in Murano glassartists specifically in order to start up the Chalet glassworks.

[Carolyn Preston]

Well darn, here I was thinking I actually knew something  :roll:  :lol:

bigger inner "petals". It also has only three inner and outer petals

Petals is a good way of describing the scoops. Oh well, live and learn some more  :lol:

Carolyn

[wrightoutlook]

A little more clarification regarding the red cigar ashtray from Chalet. My understanding of the explanation that the red piece is Chalet includes the fact that there's a massive heft and thickness to the glass. Also the Murano shown above has a white or milky "lining," whereas the Chalet wouldn't. The clear glass "lips" or "handles;" those small protrusions - are also indicative of Chalet. The lady had other points regarding Chalet versus Murano.

The Caithness bud vase is not a common item sold in the U.S. We don't usually see this line from Caithness. Many stores had (or have) actual Caithness display cases for paperweights. I've seen a lot of the paperweight showcases in a variety of stores. These are lit from within with mirrored tiers and interior lighting - mini-showrooms from the distributor/manufacturer, approximately two feet high.

[Lustrousstone]

The Murano bowls also have clear outer protrusions, so that's not exclusive to Chalet. If you look down the postings on Carolyn's thread, you can see my bowl, which has the clear outer petals.

[wrightoutlook]

It's already been established by an expert and accepted that the red cigar ashtray in my thread is not Murano, but is Chalet Art Glass. This isn't really a discussion about Murano, unless it's about the "purple basket," which could be Murano or American art glass, or who knows what. Czech even.