Cobalt Blue Swung Stretch Vase
Decorative Art, Glassware (Vase) • Attributed to Viking Glass Company or Smith Glass (West Virginia Art Glass tradition)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern (MCM), American Art Glass
Medium & Technique
Hand-blown glass; specifically 'swung' or 'stretch' technique with a cased or sommerso-style clear base
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century, approximately 1960s-1970s
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 12 to 24 inches in height; vertical pedestal format
Subject Description
A tall, slender decorative vessel featuring a deep cobalt blue core transitioning into a clear glass footing. The form is organic and vertical, achieved by swinging the molten glass to create the elongated neck and ruffles.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; glass appears clear with no visible chips, cracks, or devitrification
Estimated Market Value
$45 - $125 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Likely residential acquisition; common in American middle-class households during the mid-to-late 20th century
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the West Virginia glass-making boom; showcases the technical skill of post-war American craftsmen creating affordable, high-design decorative objects.
Notable Features
Vibrant cobalt blue saturation; distinctive four-lobed clear glass base; fluted/ruffled rim resulting from the gravity-based 'swinging' process.
Condition Issues
Possible light shelf wear on the base; no structural damage or significant surface scratches visible.
Conservation Recommendations
Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water only; avoid extreme temperature changes (thermal shock); keep out of high-traffic areas to prevent tipping.