Mid-Century Modern Ruby Red Crackle Glass Vase with Applied Swirl

This item is a vibrant ruby red art glass vase, likely dating from the mid-20th century (circa 1950s-1970s). The piece is constructed from hand-blown glass and features a distinctive 'crackle' texture, achieved by plunging the hot glass into cold water during the manufacturing process. The vase has a bulbous base that tapers slightly before flaring out at the rim. A notable decorative feature is the thick, clear glass 'snake' or rigaree trail that is applied to the exterior, spiraling around the body of the vase. The color is a deep, consistent red, which was often achieved using gold chloride in the glass batch. Handheld for scale, the vase appears to stand approximately 6 to 8 inches tall. While no maker's mark is immediately visible in the image, the style and craftsmanship are consistent with American glass manufacturers such as Kanawha, Rainbow, or Blenko. The piece shows characteristic signs of handmade production, including potential tool marks near the applied swirl. The condition appears fair to good; while the glass color remains vibrant, there are visible surface scuffs and areas on the applied clear trail that appear dull or chipped, particularly near the termination point. There is also evidence of interior moisture or residue, suggesting it has been used for floral arrangements.

I have examined the visual documentation of this Mid-Century Modern ruby red crackle glass vase with an applied clear rigaree trail. The piece exhibits the hallmarks of West Virginia glass houses from the 1960s, most likely produced by Kanawha or Rainbow Glass. The deep ruby hue, obtained via gold-based chemistry, remains vibrant and is the item's strongest asset. Despite its aesthetic appeal, the condition is a significant factor in this valuation. My inspection noted visible surface scuffing and apparent chipping on the clear applied 'snake' trail. Additionally, interior residue suggests prolonged use as a functional vessel, which may require professional cleaning to restore clarity. In the current market, mid-range American art glass is highly collectible but price-sensitive; pristine examples of this form typically fetch $85–$110, but the noted condition issues necessitate a downward adjustment. This estimate is based on recent auction results for similar crackle glass forms with applied decorations. Please note that this appraisal is based solely on digital images. A definitive attribution to a specific maker like Kanawha would require a physical inspection of the pontil mark and dimensions to match historical catalog records. Without a surviving foil label or provenance records, the attribution remains 'in the style of' the aforementioned manufacturers. A physical examination is also required to distinguish between superficial surface scratches and structural stress cracks, which could further impact the valuation.