Blenko Glass Abstract Swirl Vase
Decorative Art; Hand-blown glass vase • Blenko Glass Company, Milton, West Virginia
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Contemporary American Studio Glass
Medium & Technique
Hand-blown art glass with applied color glass trails (swirls)
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (Modern era)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 10-14 inches in height; Three-dimensional sculptural vessel in a bulbous format
Subject Description
A bulbous-bodied vase featuring a high neck and flat rim, executed in a vibrant lime or chartreuse yellow-green base glass. The piece is decorated with dynamic, asymmetrical swirling bands of contrasting glass in shades of bottle green, deep brown, and orange-red, creating a rhythmic, fluid visual movement around the vessel.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; Item appears in original condition with intact manufacturer label.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Original retail purchase; identifiable by the silver-tone 'Blenko Handcraft' foil sticker featuring the company's URL and phone number, which indicates production after the 1990s.
Art Historical Significance
Blenko is a seminal American glass manufacture known for its color-centric designs. This piece represents the evolution of West Virginia glassmaking, maintaining hand-blown traditions while incorporating bold, contemporary color palettes and abstract forms popular in the late 20th-century artisan market.
Notable Features
Features the silver 'Blenko Handcraft' oval label; distinctive flat-top rim and vibrant neon-adjacent base color characteristic of late-period Blenko production.
Condition Issues
No visible chips, cracks, or internal clouding. Minimal shelf wear to base expected.
Conservation Recommendations
Hand wash only with mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations and direct UV exposure to maintain the vibrancy of the glass color.