Mikasa 'Tulip' Frosted and Crystal Glass Vase

This is a decorative glass vase featuring a prominent embossed tulip blossom motif. The piece measures approximately 8 to 10 inches in height and is constructed from heavy-gauge pressed glass. The design showcases a sophisticated contrast between high-polish clear crystal surfaces and delicate frosted (acid-etched or sandblasted) finishes. The flower petals at the top rim create a scalloped, organic wavy edge, while the stems and leaves are rendered in frosted glass that provides a textural counterpoint to the clear blooms. This specific pattern is characteristic of Mikasa’s late 20th-century floral crystal lines, likely dating from the 1980s or 1990s. The vase is thick-walled with a solid base, indicating robust craftsmanship common in German or Japanese glass manufacturing from that era. No visible maker’s marks are seen in the image, as Mikasa often used gold foil stickers rather than permanent glass etching. The condition appears excellent with no visible chips, cracks, or 'flea bites' along the delicate scalloped rim. There is no evidence of hard water staining or clouding, suggesting the piece has been well-maintained. The light refraction through the clear sections indicates a high-quality lead-free or low-lead crystal composition with good clarity.

I have conducted a visual examination of the Mikasa 'Tulip' Frosted and Crystal Glass Vase. The piece displays the high-quality pressed construction indicative of Mikasa’s late 20th-century production, likely manufactured in Germany or Japan. The condition appears to be 'Excellent' to 'Near-Mint,' with the delicate scalloped rim showing no evidence of the chipping or 'flea bites' that frequently plague these organic edges. The contrast between the acid-etched frost and the high-clarity crystal remains vibrant, without 'glass sickness' or permanent calcium clouding. The current market for 1980s/90s decorative crystal is characterized by high supply and moderate demand, primarily driven by the 'Grandmillennial' aesthetic. Comparables on secondary markets such as eBay and Etsy show consistent sales for large Mikasa floral vases in the $35 to $75 range depending on size and condition. While aesthetically pleasing and technically well-made, these were mass-produced items and lack the rarity of hand-blown art glass or signed studio pieces. Verification via digital imagery is limited; a definitive appraisal would require a physical inspection to confirm the presence of microscopic scratches on the base (utility wear) and the absence of professional repairs. Authentication rests on pattern recognition as the original foil labels are missing. For a full professional certification, I would need to observe the piece under short-wave UV light to determine the specific glass composition and check for adhesives used in hidden repairs. The valuation assumes the piece is free of internal structural flaws not visible in the provided photographs.