Tipperary Crystal Footed Star-Burst Bowl

This is a fine footed crystal bowl manufactured by Tipperary Crystal, a renowned Irish design brand. The piece is crafted from high-quality clear lead crystal, characterized by its substantial weight, clarity, and brilliant refractive properties as evidenced by the sharp light patterns cast in the shadows. The bowl features a classic flared rim and is decorated with an intricate cut-glass pattern consisting of several repeating 12-point star-burst or sunburst motifs separated by vertical wedge cuts. The pedestal base is similarly faceted with radial cuts to provide a unified aesthetic from top to bottom. A small, rectangular metallic sticker is visible on the side of the bowl, identifying the maker as Tipperary Crystal. The construction shows high-level craftsmanship with deep, precise geometric cuts that catch and disperse light efficiently. Based on the style and branding, this piece likely dates from the late 20th century to modern day. The condition appears to be excellent with no visible chips, cracks, or clouding; the edges of the facets remain sharp, indicating minimal wear or handling. The item displays the distinct 'water-white' transparency associated with premium Irish crystal products.

Based on my visual examination of the images provided, this Tipperary Crystal footed bowl appears to be an authentic example of Irish lead crystal. The presence of the original foil label is a strong indicator of origin, though without physical inspection to weigh the piece and test the resonance (the 'ping'), I must rely on visual cues like the refractive index and clarity, both of which appear consistent with quality lead crystal. The aggressive, deep cutting style featuring 12-point star-bursts and the faceted foot is characteristic of traditional Irish crystal patterns popular in the late 20th century. The condition appears excellent; I observe no chips along the saw-tooth rim or fogging in the bowl, which preserves its full market value. The market for clear crystal has softened significantly over the last two decades. While Waterford remains the premium benchmark, Tipperary Crystal is a respected but secondary market brand. Comparable sales for similar footed bowls from Tipperary typically range between $30 and $60 at auction, with retail replacement or boutique pricing occasionally reaching $100. It is a common, mass-produced luxury item rather than a rare antique, meaning value is driven by utility and decorative appeal rather than scarcity. For a definitive valuation, I would need to physically inspect the rim for 'flea bites' (micro-chips) and verify the acid stamp mark usually found on the base, as stickers can be applied to non-authentic items.