WMF Ikora Glass Bowl Value Guide

The WMF Ikora Glass Bowl is a pinnacle of German Art Deco design, utilizing a complex multi-layering technique developed by Karl Wiedmann. These hand-blown pieces are highly collectible for their unique 'controlled explosion' of color and chemical reactions that bridge the gap between industrial production and fine art.

What Is WMF Ikora Glass Bowl Worth?

The typical price range for WMF Ikora Glass Bowl is $350 - $385 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The vibrancy and complexity of the red and orange color palette significantly impact the market price, with more intense mottling commanding higher values.
• Physical condition is paramount; because of the crackle technique, it is vital to distinguish between intentional internal crazing and external damage or chips.
• The presence of original labels or documented provenance from the 1930-1940 production period can elevate the value toward the $385 range.
• Size and symmetry of the bowl play a role, as larger examples with well-balanced air bubble inclusions are more desirable to Art Deco collectors.

How to Identify WMF Ikora Glass Bowl?

• Look for the signature mottled red and orange interior combined with intentional crackle patterns and trapped air bubble inclusions.
• Examine the base for a polished pontil mark, which is characteristic of the hand-blown manufacturing process at the Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik glassworks.
• Identify the distinct 'Ikora' style of heavy, thick-walled glass that often incorporates metal oxides to create organic, cloud-like color distributions.
• Verify the era by the specific Bauhaus-influenced silhouette, typically featuring a wide rim and a low, stable profile.

History of WMF Ikora Glass Bowl

The Ikora technique was developed by Karl Wiedmann at the WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) glassworks in Germany during the late 1920s. This process involved multiple layers of glass and various chemical additives to create the distinctive crackle and controlled 'explosion' of color. Originally influenced by East Asian art styles, these pieces became hallmarks of the Bauhaus and Art Deco movements.