Posted 11 years ago
dasullywon
(62 items)
Here is an example where I bought this item in...well, let's say it's had better days. The reason I did purchase it was mainly because I was fairly certain it is a very rare example of Kew Blas (Union Glass Company). The reason I suspect this is because of it's age, decor, shape and thickness of glass. Kew Blas imitated LC Tiffany, but their versions were often thicker, heavier and cruder than LCT examples. This compote fits that description to the T (it is rather T shaped, even Grail shaped!) and has a thick stem; that still somehow managed to get itself snapped off and glued back on (oh well!). The finish is worn, and was once pretty good I'm sure, but not quite "Tiffany" good. None the less this is still an attractive piece, in a shabby chic sort of way, but even with the wear it still looks good in the cabinet.
Now I'm not 100% sure I'm right about my attribution; and most of the reason is because Kew Blas examples are scarce (Kew Blas art glass was only made for a few years starting in 1895) and I have never seen the twin of this one. I would appreciate any help in nailing down this one. Of course I'm not talking about smashing it to bits. It's survived this long, give the poor thing a break. Or was that a poor choice of words again?
Enjoy!
I do love a good mystery! I could be way off base on this one, but the stem construction and pulled feather combination reminds me a little of some Trevaise goblets / floral forms. My experience with Trevaise is limited, so maybe someone else with more experience could weigh in and rule it in /out as the case may be.
I too tend to stay away from damaged pieces, but have to admit I have one special example in my collection that I could not leave behind for the same reasons ... rarity, beauty, etc.
Thanks for the opinion, twentiethc; that is also an excellent possibility I didn't think of. I will look into it myself.
Thanks Gary.
I am very familiar with Trevaise. I have studied the examples at the Sandwich Glass Museum and have consulted with K. Nelson former Curator at the Museum. I have 8 pieces of Trevaise.
I would say this piece is not Trevaise. The only model we know of without a button pontil is the stemmed floriform that I posted earlier. That piece is shown in the article about Trevaise written by Mr. Nelson.
As far as Kew Blas goes I have never seen an unsigned piece.
So I would have to say it is a mystery.......with the exception that it could be Fostoria Glass Specialty Co. "IRIS" ware made 1910-1914. They used a paper label most of which are now gone.
Thanks Frank, I knew if anyone could eliminate Travaise it would be you. I will check Fostoria as you suggest. Thanks again!
My vote would be with Frank.. Iris by Fostoria..even more rare in a vase from than KewBlas
Thanks Tony, I will check out that line. I did a quick look and didn't see anything similar, but who knows? Thanks again!
Looks like there is writing around the edge of the piece. It starts from the upper right in this picture all the way to the bottom. But then again, I see things so it may not be there.