Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a stunning hand-blown art glass ornament featuring a delicate pink, white, and gold pulled-feather pattern with a brilliant iridescent luster finish. It is signed on the collar near the hanging loop by renowned glass artist Kit Karbler, co-founder of the influential Blake Street Glass studio.
Story
In 1979, Denver became a surprising hotspot for the American Studio Glass movement when Kit Karbler and Michael David opened Blake Street Glass. This ornament captures their signature technique of layering colored glass threads to create organic, feather-like patterns that shimmer under the light.
Maker / Origin
Kit Karbler studied under pioneer glass artists and went on to establish Blake Street Glass, which operated for decades as a premier creative hub. His work is celebrated for its complex geometric cutting, layered color veining, and mastery of the iridizing process, making his pieces highly collectible among studio glass enthusiasts.
Condition & Value
The ornament appears to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips, cracks, or scratches to the delicate iridescent surface. The hand-tooled glass hanging loop is completely intact, which is critical as damage to this area significantly reduces value by 50% or more.
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.