Vintage 16-Inch Green Blown Glass Broad-Rimmed Centerpiece Bowl

This is a substantial vintage centerpiece bowl crafted from translucent green glass, measuring 16 inches in diameter. The piece features a Wide flat profile with a deep central well and an exceptionally broad, flared rim. It is constructed from hand-blown glass, evident from the numerous trapped air bubbles (seeds) and slight undulations visible throughout the glass material. The color is a vibrant, clear spring green, often associated with mid-century or Depression-era glassware aesthetics. The bowl sits on a low, integrated pedestal base that provides stability for its large diameter. Notable features include a smooth, fire-polished edge along the perimeter and a slight thickening of the glass toward the center. The condition appears to be good with no structural cracks or significant chips visible, though there is light surface scuffing and minor shelf wear on the base consistent with age. This style of glass, potentially containing uranium (vaseline glass) or manganese given the hue, suggests a mid-20th-century origin. The craftsmanship is of high quality, characterized by the uniform thickness of the wide rim and the clarity of the green tint.

Based on my physical assessment of this 16-inch green blown glass centerpiece, the piece exhibits the characteristic production markers of mid-century hand-blown glass, specifically the trapped 'seeds' and fire-polished rim. The 16-inch diameter is on the larger side for such bowls, which increases its desirability as a focal centerpiece. The spring green hue is consistent with mid-century glassmaking by regional American or European houses (e.g., Blenko, Viking, or Empoli-style imports). I find the condition to be 'Very Good' despite minor shelf wear, which is expected for glass of this age and size. The current market for mid-century modern glass remains stable, though generic unsigned pieces have seen a slight softening compared to branded rarities. Comparables for unsigned broad-rimmed bowls of this scale typically trade in the $150 to $300 range at specialty boutiques or via online auctions. The value is bolstered by the impressive scale and the clarity of the color, as large-diameter pieces are prone to structural failure during cooling. It is important to note that this appraisal is based on visual examination via high-resolution imagery. A definitive identification of the manufacturer or age would require an in-person inspection of the pontil mark and a UV light test to confirm the presence of uranium (which would increase value toward the higher end of the range). Further provenance research or original manufacturer labels would be necessary for a full authentication of specific studio origin. Without a signature or maker's mark, the valuation remains focused on the decorative appeal and craftsmanship of the aesthetic period.