Pair of Art Glass Bud Vases with Applied Rigaree

This pair of art glass bud vases displays character common in mid-20th-century decorative glassware, possibly originating from the Murano region or influenced by it. Each vase features a bulbous base that tapers into a long, slender neck with a flared rim. The first vase exhibits a striking bicolor design with a vibrant red neck transitioning into a frosted, white-mottled base. The second vase showcases a more complex polychrome pattern with swirls of light green, teal, and brown integrated into the glass. A notable feature of both pieces is the presence of applied 'rigaree' or clear glass scroll decorations along the sides of the lower body, indicating hand-finished craftsmanship. The glass appears to be of moderate thickness with visible internal variations characteristic of hand-blown techniques. While no specific maker's marks are visible in the image, the style aligns with late 1950s to 1970s art glass. Their condition appears generally good with no major cracks or chips visible on the main bodies, though light surface scratches and typical shelf wear on the bases are expected. The application of the clear scrolls is symmetrical but shows the organic variations of flame-worked glass.

I have carefully examined the provided images and descriptions of this pair of art glass bud vases. The items exhibit characteristics consistent with mid-century Italian or Italian-style glass production, likely dating from 1960 to 1975. The hand-applied rigaree and the transition from the mottled red/white to the polychrome earth tones suggest a transitional design movement often seen in Murano imports or high-quality American studio glass of the era. The condition appears to be 'Good' to 'Very Good.' I observed no notable fractures in the rigaree—a common failure point in these pieces—nor any significant 'sick glass' clouding. The pontil marks on the base show appropriate wear for their age. The market for mid-century decorative glass remains steady, though values for unsigned bud vases have flattened compared to larger statement pieces. Comparable sales for non-attributed rigaree vases typically fall within the $60-$90 range individually. As a paired set with complementary silhouettes, their decorative utility increases. Limitations: This appraisal is based solely on digital images. Without physical inspection, I cannot confirm the absence of 'flea bites' on the rims or verify the presence of acid-etched signatures that might be hidden by surface wear. Full authentication would require a tactile examination of the glass weight and texture, as well as ultraviolet light testing to determine mineral content, which could point to a specific factory like Empoli or Fratelli Toso. Provenance from the original purchaser would also significantly bolster the valuation.