Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
A vibrant ruby red hand-blown glass vase featuring a distinct 'crackle' texture and an organic, slightly undulating cylindrical form. This piece showcases the bold color and tactile experimentation that defined American studio glass during the mid-century era.
Story
West Virginia's red clay hills hid a secret: the Blenko family, who mastered the 'crackle' effect by plunging hot glass into cold water. This ruby hue was achieved using real gold, making it the most expensive color to produce.
Maker / Origin
Blenko Glass has been a family-owned American institution since 1893, famous for providing the stained glass for the National Cathedral. In the 1950s and 60s, designers like Winslow Anderson and Wayne Husted transformed the company into a pioneer of modern decorative art.
Condition & Value
The glass appears structurally sound with no visible chips to the rim. There is some expected shelf wear and light mineral residue on the interior base, which is common for used vintage glass. Condition is good and consistent with age. Ruby is a highly collectible Blenko color.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.