Cobalt Blue Hand-Blown Glass Vase Value Guide
- Period
- 1950-1975
- Origin
- United States or Europe
- Materials
- Glass
- Category
- Hand-blown glass
This mid-20th century cobalt blue vase represents the era's shift toward vibrant studio glass and organic, sculptural silhouettes. Its rich hue, achieved through cobalt oxide, is complemented by a delicate applied clear glass handle, making it a quintessential example of decorative 1950s-1970s glassware.
What affects the value of Cobalt Blue Hand-Blown Glass Vase?
- Overall condition, specifically the absence of chips or 'flea bites' on the rim and the applied handle.
- The presence of an original maker's mark or foil label from a known American or European glass house.
- Clarity of the glass, with higher value placed on pieces free from internal clouding or mineral deposits.
- The complexity and elegance of the freeform silhouette and the execution of the applied glass elements.
How to Identify Cobalt Blue Hand-Blown Glass Vase?
- Look for a pontil mark on the base, which indicates the piece was hand-blown rather than mold-made.
- Examine the attachment point of the clear glass handle for seamless integration typical of mid-century craftsmanship.
- Check for small air bubbles or slight asymmetries that characterize authentic hand-blown glass from the 1950-1975 period.
- Verify the deep, consistent saturation of the cobalt blue color throughout the body of the vessel.
History of Cobalt Blue Hand-Blown Glass Vase
Hand-blown colored glass vases became popular in the mid-20th century as studio glass artists and mass manufacturers explored vibrant colors and sculptural shapes. Cobalt blue glass dates back centuries for its rich color achieved with cobalt oxide. In the 1950s–1970s, freeform and organic silhouettes with applied handles or spouts were common in both European and American glassware, produced by studio glassmakers and factory lines alike. Pieces like this were made as decorative objects and small bud vases.
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