New photography by Shannon Ruff captured with a digital camera-2006.

Vase

Manufacturer Unknown

Dateca. 1880

MediumBlown, applied, and tooled glass

DimensionsOverall: 13 in. (33 cm)

ClassificationsGlass

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number71.4291

Terms

Opal
Colorless
Green
Amber
Red
Pink
White
Stourbridge

On View

Not on view

DescriptionVase of blown opal glass cased with clear shading to green at the top. Oval bulbous with an applied amber edging to the crimped and twice folded rim. Two pairs of amber root-like feet with tops extending irregularly around the oval bottom. Applied amber thorn handles with the ends and tops extending around as stems. Two applied cherries and amber specked red leaves at the top. Three pink and white blossoms with green and amber leaves at the bottom. Slight roughage foot bottoms.

Label TextFANCY GLASS This type of fanciful glass was the flamboyant response to a period of stringent regulation within the British glass industry. In 1745, England imposed a weight-based tax upon glass, resulting in the creation of smaller and moderately decorated pieces. The bureaucratic restrictions that followed for the next 100 years hampered creative growth and ultimately caused the British glass industry to lag behind in competition for foreign markets. To the delight of glassmakers and design reformers alike, the government repealed the glass excise in 1845. New channels of technological and artistic growth opened up for glassmakers. They were freed to experiment with colors, designs, and techniques-and were eager to show off their skills. Decorations included applied flowers and leaves made with pincers or stamping devices, ruffled or crimped rims, applied threading, and optical effects made from molds. The explosion of creativity yielded both majestic and ostentatious results. English Vase, ca. 1880 Blown, applied, and tooled glass Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.4291