Grape Motif Glass Appraisal

Carnival Glass Ruffled Bowl with Grape and Vine Motif

This item is an antique Carnival Glass bowl, likely dating from the early 20th century, specifically the Arts and Crafts or Art Nouveau period (circa 1900-1930s). It exhibits a distinctive iridescent finish, characteristic of carnival glass, which creates a shimmering, multi-colored effect, reflecting hues of purples, blues, golds, and greens, especially noticeable around the raised design elements. The primary color of the glass appears to be a vibrant lime green or marigold base, which deeply influences the overall iridescent presentation. The bowl features a prominent pressed or molded design on its interior surface, depicting a detailed grape and vine motif. Lush clusters of grapes are intertwined with broad grape leaves and curling tendrils, creating a naturalistic and tactile pattern. The relief of this design is quite pronounced, adding to the visual depth and charm of the piece. The rim of the bowl is gently ruffled or fluted, adding a decorative edge and demonstrating the hand-finishing often associated with these glass pieces. This ruffled edge contributes to its vintage aesthetic and provides a soft, organic appeal. Physically, the bowl appears to be of a moderate size, suitable for serving fruits, candies, or as a decorative centerpiece. Based on the visible wear on the bottom and the overall appearance, it is likely made from soda-lime glass. There are no immediately obvious chips or cracks visible in the provided image; however, typical signs of age such as minor surface scratches, scuffing on the base from use, or slight variations in the iridescence (patina) would be expected with an item of this age. The quality of the iridescent finish appears strong, with good color saturation and a broad spectrum of reflected light, indicating good craftsmanship for carnival glass. While no specific maker's marks are discernible from the image, the pattern strongly resembles a common 'Grape' or 'Open Rose and Grape' pattern, frequently produced by various American glass manufacturers like Fenton, Northwood, Imperial, or Dugan during the peak of carnival glass production. The craftsmanship is evident in the clear impression of the design and the consistent iridescence.