Tortoiseshell Pattern Cased Art Glass Squat Bud Vase
Art Glass / Decorative Objects

Tortoiseshell Pattern Cased Art Glass Squat Bud Vase

This is a hand-blown art glass vase featuring a distinctive globular or 'squat' form with a relatively narrow, unrimmed aperture. The vessel is constructed using a cased glass technique, appearing to have a clear outer layer over a rich, mottled brown and amber internal decoration that mimics the organic patterns of natural tortoiseshell. This 'tortoise' effect is achieved through the use of glass powders or frits that have been stretched and swirled during the blowing process, creating a sense of depth and movement within the glass. The exterior surface is highly polished to a glossy finish, reflecting light and highlighting the translucent amber tones. The rim appears to be ground and polished flat rather than fire-rolled, which is typical of mid-20th-century studio glass or European glassworks like those in Murano, Italy, or Scandinavia. Condition-wise, the piece appears to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips or cracks. There is a faint horizontal linear mark on the right side which may be a surface scratch or a tool mark from production. The lack of visible branding or signatures suggests it may have originally carried a paper label or was produced by a high-quality glasshouse like Sklo Union, Mdina, or Murano makers such as Seguso. It likely dates from the 1960s to 1980s, showcasing the high-quality craftsmanship of the period through its uniform thickness and sophisticated color layering.

Estimated Value

$125 - $225

Basic Information

Category

Art Glass / Decorative Objects

Appraised On

December 27, 2025

Estimated Value

$125 - $225

Item Description

This is a hand-blown art glass vase featuring a distinctive globular or 'squat' form with a relatively narrow, unrimmed aperture. The vessel is constructed using a cased glass technique, appearing to have a clear outer layer over a rich, mottled brown and amber internal decoration that mimics the organic patterns of natural tortoiseshell. This 'tortoise' effect is achieved through the use of glass powders or frits that have been stretched and swirled during the blowing process, creating a sense of depth and movement within the glass. The exterior surface is highly polished to a glossy finish, reflecting light and highlighting the translucent amber tones. The rim appears to be ground and polished flat rather than fire-rolled, which is typical of mid-20th-century studio glass or European glassworks like those in Murano, Italy, or Scandinavia. Condition-wise, the piece appears to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips or cracks. There is a faint horizontal linear mark on the right side which may be a surface scratch or a tool mark from production. The lack of visible branding or signatures suggests it may have originally carried a paper label or was produced by a high-quality glasshouse like Sklo Union, Mdina, or Murano makers such as Seguso. It likely dates from the 1960s to 1980s, showcasing the high-quality craftsmanship of the period through its uniform thickness and sophisticated color layering.

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