Vintage Olive Green Swirl Mold-Blown Glass Vase

This item is a small, hand-blown or mold-blown glass flower vase featuring a vibrant olive green or avocado green hue. The vase stands approximately 6 to 8 inches tall, characterized by a rounded, amphora-style bulbous body that tapers slightly toward the neck before flaring into a decorative scalloped or ruffled 'pie crust' rim. The most prominent stylistic feature is the continuous diagonal spiral or 'optic swirl' design that wraps around the entire perimeter of the vessel, creating a rhythmic texture that plays with light and transparency. The base is a solid, integral pedestal foot that provides stability. Based on the color palette and the specific scalloped rim treatment, this piece is likely of American origin, potentially manufactured by companies such as Fenton, Viking, or Anchor Hocking during the mid-20th century (circa 1960s-1970s). The glass displays excellent clarity with no visible chips, cracks, or heavy clouding, though some minor shelf wear on the bottom of the base is typical for its age. The craftsmanship is consistent with high-quality mass-produced art glass from the Mid-Century Modern era, showcasing a uniform thickness and well-balanced proportions.

Based on my visual examination of this olive green mold-blown glass vase, I have identified it as a classic example of Mid-Century Modern American art glass, likely produced by the Viking Glass Company or Fenton Art Glass during the 1960s. The 'optic swirl' pattern combined with the distinct scalloped 'pie crust' rim and pedestal base are hallmark characteristics of this era's production. The condition appears to be 'excellent' with no visible internal bruising or 'sick' glass clouding, though the noted shelf wear on the base is expected and does not detract from its value. The current market for Mid-Century glass remains stable, particularly for pieces in earthy tones like olive/avocado green which are popular in contemporary interior design. While this specific form is not rare, as it was a mass-produced item, its appeal lies in its quintessential MCM aesthetic. Comparable sales for similar 6-to-8 inch vases in this colorway typically range between $40 and $70 depending on the retail venue. Limitations of this appraisal include the inability to inspect for 'pontil' marks or manufacturer stamps (such as a Fenton 'F' in an oval) which may be hidden by lighting or base wear. A physical inspection would be required to verify the weight and resonance of the glass to confirm it is not a later reproduction. Furthermore, UV light testing would be necessary to check for manganese or other chemical compositions to definitively narrow the manufacturer. For a formal valuation, provenance or original catalogs would be ideal to distinguish it from similar competitors like Kanawha or Pilgrim Glass.