Michael Aram for Waterford Clear Lead Crystal 12-inch Vase

This is a premium 12-inch flower vase crafted from heavy, high-brilliance clear lead crystal, resulting from a collaboration between American designer Michael Aram and the historic Irish glassmaker Waterford. The vase features a modern tapered cylindrical silhouette with a slightly outward-flaring rim. The decorative program is complex, utilizing multiple cutting techniques. The upper portion displays a band of crisp, geometric diamond and triangular wedge cuts, while the body transitions into long, vertical linear facets that create a sophisticated play of light. A thick, textured band separates the top and middle sections, adding tactile interest. The crystal exhibits exceptional clarity with high refractive properties, characteristic of Waterford’s luxury mineral composition. While a physical maker's mark is likely acid-etched on the base, it is not visible from this angle. The item appears to be in excellent condition with no visible chips, clouding (sickness), or significant surface scratching. This piece represents a contemporary take on traditional glasscutting, likely produced in the late 20th to early 21st century, combining Aram's sculptural aesthetic with Waterford's heritage craftsmanship.

Based on my visual examination of the provided information and image details, this is a Michael Aram for Waterford 12-inch clear lead crystal vase. The piece exhibits the high brilliance and complex cutting techniques characteristic of Waterford crystal, combining traditional deep wedge and diamond cuts with Aram's modern design sensibilities. From the visual evidence, the vase appears to be in excellent condition, showing no signs of chips, cracks, or 'glass sickness' (clouding), which is crucial for maintaining value in contemporary art glass. The thick, textured band and transitional vertical facets are well-executed. In the current secondary market, contemporary artist collaborations with historic houses like Waterford are desirable, though they do not always appreciate significantly beyond their retail price unless they belong to a highly limited edition. Michael Aram pieces generally have a strong following, and practical items like a 12-inch vase appeal to both collectors and interior decorators. Comparable Michael Aram/Waterford collaborative vases of this size and complexity typically trade in the $150 to $250 range at auction or through secondary market replacement services. Please note that this appraisal is based solely on photographic evidence and owner-provided details. True authentication requires a hands-on physical inspection to locate the acid-etched Waterford/Michael Aram mark on the base, assess the weight to confirm lead crystal content, and closely examine the piece under magnification for micro-scratches or flea bites that might impact value.