how can you tell if a vase is hand blown

How can you tell if a vase is hand blown?

• Pontil Marks. A pontil mark, also called a pontil scar or a punt mark, is left on a piece of hand-blown glass when the glassblower removes the working rod or ...
• Slight Irregularities.
• Air Bubbles.

Full Answer

How can you tell if glass is hand made?

Handmade glass often has a discreetly located makers mark. Do not confuse a signature with a mark pressed onto the glass, the latter usually indicating that the glass was machine-made.

Does hand-blown glass have bubbles?

Bubbles appear in the glass because it is blown glass. The shapes are formed literally with the craftsmen's breath. Bubbles are part of the charm of a hand-blown piece and add character to each glass.

How do you identify a swung vase?

Is it a stretch vase or a swung vase?Stretch vases are often iridescent, with a distinctive “onion skin” appearance. ... Swung vases, on the other hand, were created when the glassblower held the “gather” on the end of the blow pipe and, using a special tool swung the molten glass in a circle to elongate it.More items...•

What is the difference between hand-blown and mouth blown glass?

The only difference between the two methods is that mold-blown glass is blown into a hinged steel mold and it offers more control than a hand-blown piece. Semi-handmade glassware is formed by mouth blowing the initial glass bubble and finishing the piece by blowing the bubble up larger into a hinged steel mold.

How do you know if a glass vase is valuable?

Look for a mark on the bottom of the vase. Marks may reflect the name of the company that made the vase, as well as the name of its designer. When the vase has a company name and an artist's name, it may be worth more than if it simply has a company name. Marks may be inked, painted or engraved into the bottom.

How can you tell if glass is vintage?

How to Know Whether Glass Is AntiquePontil marks - Blown glass, as opposed to molded glass, usually has a pontil mark on the bottom. ... Bubbles and irregularities - Many antique glass pieces have tiny bubbles or other imperfections in the glass. ... Patina - Older glass usually has a patina of time and use.

What makes a swung vase?

Vases, candy dishes, decanters, and all types of glassware were made in this style. The popular swung vases, some standing 2 or 3 feet tall, have the irregular edges that give the appearance of melting. The hot glass is literally swung and as it cools the edges come to the freeform shapes we admire so much.

How do I identify a Viking glass vase?

In most cases Viking used paper labels, not marks, to identify its products. Most of the labels on their glass are now long gone, leaving color as one of the few identifiers for buyers. Thankfully, the Company started publishing catalogs of its product lines in the early 1960s.

How can you tell if glass is stretched?

The Stretch Glass Society defines Stretch Glass as a pressed or blown-molded glass that has little or no pattern and is sprayed with a metallic salt mix while hot. When finished, it will have either a cobweb iridescence effect (equal to stretch marks) or a plain iridescence effect.

Does mold blown glass have seams?

Characteristics of Glass Blown in Full-Size Molds Seam lines are often evident and reveal where the sections of the mold came together. By counting the seams, you can usually determine if the mold had two, three, or more parts.

What color Depression glass is most valuable?

Pink glass is most valuable, followed by blue and green. Rare colors such as tangerine and lavender are also worth more than common colors like yellow and amber. If you stumble upon an extremely rare piece like the red ruby Aladdin Beehive Lamp, expect to pay $800 or more!

How do you know if a vase is Murano?

Look for the certificate of origin sticker on the artwork, which certifies that the artwork was made in the island of Murano, Italy.

What does it mean when a vase is made of glass?

If your vase is made of glass, the texture, thickness, and composition can also indicate your piece’s age. Antique vases consist of various materials, but the most popular mediums are porcelain and glass. Specific characteristics help identify a reproduction from the real deal and indicate the value or lack thereof.

How to appraise a vase?

Step 1: Check the Bottom of the Vase. Step 2: Identify the Mark. Step 3: Check for an Overmark. Step 4: Inspect the Edges. Step 4: Check Out the Composition. Step 5: Get an Appraisal. Popular and Sought-After Antique Vases. Antique Chinese. Antique Japanese.

What are antique Japanese vases made of?

Always pricier than their Chinese counterparts, antique Japanese vases consist of porcelain. Antique aficionados specializing in Oriental art seek out the antique Imari vases. These are primarily identified by their red and gold embellishments and blue underglaze.

What is an overmark vase?

An overmark is precisely that; a mark placed over the original maker’s mark. Keep your vase turned over and inspect for a stamp that covers up the maker’s mark. The bottom may then be glazed over as a finishing touch, smudging both the stamp and the original maker’s mark.

What is antique glass vase?

Many antique glass vases were hand blown and the edges hand polished by their designers. Upon inspection, you will notice the edges to be smoother and shinier than the rest of the vase. Although modern designers employ this technique, the finer edges plus a maker’s mark would be evidence of it being antique.

How to make a vase with a logo?

Step 1: Check the Bottom of the Vase. Place your vase upside down on a flat, padded surface and check the bottom for logos, signatures, or company names. These marks may be inked, painted on, or engraved on the piece.

What is the hallmark on a silver vase?

Pottery or porcelain vases will have the maker’s mark stamped or inscribed, while silver will be marked “sterling” or “925”. This hallmark on silver vases usually accompanies the factory name and date of manufacture. If you see an aged label or factory sticker, do not remove it!