Yellow Optic Ribbed Glass Vase

This item is a large, hand-blown glass vase featuring a vibrant, translucent yellow or amber-gold hue. The vessel is characterized by a prominent optic ribbed or 'swirl' pattern that runs vertically along the rounded body, creating a textured surface that catches and refracts light. It features a wide, flared rim with a thickened edge and a cinched neck that transitions into a bulbous mid-section before tapering down to a narrow base. The glass appears to have a slightly irregular, 'hammered' or bubbly interior texture consistent with mid-century art glass production. While no maker's marks are immediately visible, the style and color are highly indicative of the Mid-Century Modern era (circa 1960s-1970s), reminiscent of pieces produced by companies such as Blenko, Kanawha, or Viking Glass. The condition appears fair to good with no visible cracks or large chips; however, there is noticeable surface shelf wear on the bottom and potential internal water staining or 'sick glass' cloudiness common in vintage utilitarian glassware. The height appears to be approximately 8 to 10 inches based on surrounding shelf items. The overall craftsmanship shows thick-walled construction, suggesting durability and quality mass-production from the mid-20th century.

I have examined the yellow optic ribbed glass vase, which displays characteristics consistent with American mid-century art glass, specifically pieces produced by Blenko or Kanawha Glass around 1960-1975. The amberina-yellow hue and vertical optic ribbing are emblematic of the era's 'Swung' or mold-blown aesthetics. Visually, the piece shows thick-walled construction and a wide-flared rim indicative of quality craftsmanship. However, the presence of internal cloudiness, often referred to as 'sick glass,' is a significant detractor. This permanent chemical alteration of the glass surface generally reduces value by 30-50% compared to pristine examples. The market for mid-century glassware remains stable, but mass-produced pieces without documented signatures or rare labels generally sell at a lower price point. Comparables for unsigned 8-10 inch optic vases in this colorway typically move quickly in the $40 to $70 range. Authentic Blenko pieces with original stickers can fetch a premium, but without a mark, rarity is considered low. Limitations: Authentication via imagery cannot definitively confirm the maker or the depth of surface scratches. A full appraisal would require a physical inspection under UV light to check for repairs and a tactile examination of the pontil mark on the base to determine if it is ground or fire-polished, which helps distinguish between major manufacturers. Provenance or a surviving foil label would be required to verify its specific foundry origins.