Desk Ornament Bonsai Appraisal

Vintage Chinese Glass Bonsai Tree

This is a vintage Chinese decorative glass bonsai tree, also known as a 'gem tree.' The piece features delicate, rose-pink petals and dark sage-green leaves, all handcrafted from semi-translucent glass, likely molded or hand-blown to mimic jade and rose quartz. The petals are arranged into blossoms with small yellow-tipped stamens. The branches are constructed of wire wrapped in dark green silk or thread, allowing for some flexibility. The entire tree is anchored in a rectangular, light celadon-colored ceramic pot filled with small white decorative stones. In terms of condition, there are visible loose threads and some fraying around the wire connections, which is typical for items of this age (mid-20th century). Some of the petals appear slightly askew, indicating the wire may have been bent over time. There are no obvious cracks in the glass petals or leaves, though a fine layer of dust is present in the crevices. The craftsmanship is characteristic of mid-century Chinese export wares, designed for decorative use. The use of varied tones in the green glass leaves adds a sense of depth and realism to the piece. No specific maker's mark is visible from this angle.