Tiki/Moai Postmodern Glass Sculpture-Vase
Decorative Art; Blown Glass Sculpture • Attributed to the Studio of Richard Marquis or an artist influenced by the 1980s American Studio Glass Movement (potentially Joey Kirkpatrick and Flora Mace or a high-end Muranese workshop).
Style & Movement
American Studio Glass Movement / Postmodernism with Pop Art influences
Medium & Technique
Hand-blown glass; Murrine technique (possibly millefiori inclusions), fused canes, and applied hot-sculpted elements (the handle and decorative fins).
Creation Period
Late 20th Century to early 21st Century (Circa 1985–2010)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 to 15 inches in height; vertical sculptural format.
Subject Description
An anthropomorphic vessel featuring a tall, flared neck with large ovoid 'eye' motifs and horizontal stripping. The base is globular with a scalloped/scale pattern, supported by a tiered circular foot. A whimsical, oversized handle and 'fin' attachments suggest a fusion of tiki iconography and sea-creature forms.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; no visible chips, fractures, or clouded glass (sickness) apparent in the image.
Estimated Market Value
$1,200 – $3,500 USD (depending on confirmed attribution)
Auction Estimate
$800 – $2,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a contemporary art gallery or high-end craft boutique. No visible labels or signatures are present in the photograph, though these are typically etched into the bottom of the base.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of the technical experimentation within the American Studio Glass Movement. It demonstrates the transition from purely functional vessels to sculptural 'objects d'art' that utilize complex Italian techniques (cane and murrine) in a playful, Western aesthetic context.
Notable Features
Highly complex use of variegated color bands and precision-placed 'eye' murrini. The deep cobalt blue foot and vibrant primary red accents characterize the 'Retro' or 'New Wave' color palette of late 20th-century glass art.
Condition Issues
Potential micro-scratching on the underside of the base from surface contact. No structural damage evident.
Conservation Recommendations
Display away from vibration-heavy areas. Clean only with a soft, dry micro-fiber cloth or ionized water; avoid harsh chemical cleaners which may affect the surface tension of the glass over decades.