Cobalt Blue Slumped Art Glass Plate

This item is a circular art glass plate or shallow bowl rendered in a vibrant, translucent cobalt blue hue. The piece features a distinct organic texture characterized by deep, vertical undulating ribs that give the glass a wave-like or rippled appearance. The perimeter is finished with a naturalistic, slightly irregular 'live' edge, suggesting a kiln-fired or slumped glass construction technique rather than factory-molded glass. The material is heavy-gauge glass with high clarity and depth of color, characteristic of artisanal glasswork. Visually, the piece is in excellent condition with no immediate evidence of chips, significant surface scratches, or fractures. There are no prominent maker's marks or signatures visible on the surface in the provided perspective, which is common for contemporary studio glass of this style. The styling suggests a late 20th-century or modern production period, drawing inspiration from fluid, minimalist design. The craftsmanship is evidenced by the even distribution of the glass thickness and the rhythmic precision of the slumped waves throughout the body of the plate.

Based on my visual examination, this is a contemporary Cobalt Blue Slumped Art Glass Plate, likely produced in the late 20th or early 21st century. The piece exhibits the characteristics of kiln-formed 'slumped' glass, where a flat sheet of glass is heated over a mold to achieve its concave, ribbed shape. The vibrant cobalt hue is consistent with mass-produced artisanal wares rather than high-end studio uniques. Visually, the condition appears excellent; I can see no evidence of chips, 'flea bites' on the rim, or cloudiness typically associated with dishwasher damage. The sheen remains glossy and the color saturation is uniform. Market analysis suggests this piece falls into the category of decorative home goods rather than investment-grade art glass. While visually striking, it lacks the complexity or signature of renowned glass artists (e.g., Dale Chihuly or Higgins Glass), making it likely a production piece from a studio or a mid-range retailer like Crate & Barrel or similar artisan collectives. Comparables for unsigned slumped glass bowls of this size and color generally sell in the $40 to $90 range. The value is driven primarily by its aesthetic appeal and utility as a centerpiece rather than scarcity. It is important to note the limitations of this digital appraisal. Without physical inspection, I cannot feel the weight to confirm lead content, check the underside for faint acid-etched signatures that might be invisible in photos, or detect microscopic surface scratches. In-person inspection would be required to definitively rule out mass-manufacturing seams or to identify any specific studio provenance.