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Blenko Glass Modernist “Opaque” Line large Yellow Bowl, No. 2904 made in 2004

omething happened this past decade in the glass collecting Murano … The Glass that Delights
marketplace that we may all have missed. It’s hard to see when Italian glass has a long tradition of wonderful design behind it.
Syou’re only in one regional market area and unable to observe the Their designers have been consistently innovative and creative for
whole picture. I’m beginning to believe an exciting change in glass centuries, perhaps to a degree greater than anywhere else. They have a
collecting is taking place. wonderful sense of style and flair that has withstood the test of time.
The collectible market for glass has been in a long slide as values Murano glass is still going strong, continually innovative and sought
have been correcting downward for some time now. Much of this has after in the marketplace with values to match. But it isn’t all great, a lot
been the result of “cashing out” amongst baby boomer collectors in the of it was mass-produced for the tourist market, especially in the 1950s.
midst of retirement and downsizing. More and more, large collections Much of this tourist glass was unmarked and the Chinese Murano
have been appearing at auctions as these retirements are forcing imitations have frustrated
beautiful glass specimens back into the general market. What has been collectors for years.
unseen are all of the small collections that have been showing up, These reproductions
especially at estate sales. This is bringing excitement back into glass have also significantly
collecting. There are real treasures to be found. reduced some values.
I don’t think the downsizing Signed pieces and
is, by any means, over. We’ll see examples that clearly
more of it especially during the illuminate great design
2020s decade. But, I think a
turn in the marketplace is
starting to occur as I observe
more frequent opportunities to Large Murano glass bull made
acquire high quality, beautiful with gold aventurine glass
glass that’s affordable.
I’m seeing younger collectors
buying at sales and a changing Mt. Washington rose amber glass in optic Large abstract Murano glass
interest in the glass being squat pitcher form, circa 1885 bird made by Paolo R (artist
collected. High-end art glass signed) from Rossi & Rossi,
with recognizable names will continue strong, but good, undamaged circa 1960
pieces are hard to come by. A lot of glass will be lost due to mishandling
and misunderstanding of what it is. This is especially true for unsigned are in demand and remain a favorite among contemporary collectors.
pieces where you need experience and knowledge to recognize it. Good The artistic bull (shown) is a great example of Italian design. It took
examples of this are all the Loetz and Murano glass items misattributed considerable skill to make – the lines are fluid and full of energy. This
on the internet. Of course, all of the reproductions and look-a-likes bull commands attention.
continue to confuse and make buyers cautious.
American Contemporary …
The Al(Lure) of Design
Glass is fascinating to behold. The play of light and color as it is Modern & Individualistic
refracted through glass is eye-catching and beautiful. The refraction is The rise of the Mid-Century Modern and
always changing and moving. Glass is actually a form of liquid. Studio Glass Movement in the 1960s to the
Combine these aspects with good design and it’s little wonder why it present day characterizes the American market in
excels as an artistic decorative. I don’t think this will ever change. glass. Individual glass designers and small studio
glass operations have taken over the American
glass market with highly creative designs that
The Element of Fun range from the classical shapes to the cutting edge
Because of the turmoil that’s taken place in the glass market with of design. The market is strong for those designers
more collections turning up, there’s an element of surprise of what you who have managed to brand and carve out a
will find. There’s also a greater expectation of making an exciting market niche for themselves. Exactly who will
discovery. When you go to a sale and can acquire a piece that’s beautiful become the next Tiffany or Steuben amongst
and unique with underlying value, now, that’s a treasure! I see this as I them still remains to be seen.
observe shoppers looking at and buying glass at sales. Invariably, they
will hold it up to a light and look at the play of color as it reflects Nils Landberg designed this “Dusk” series of vases in 1954 for
through the glass. Orrefors glass. Very organic design in a range of sizes and forms

26 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles