Overview
A hand-blown studio glass goblet featuring a deep amethyst bowl with ethereal, swirling white 'nebula' inclusions. The piece showcases a remarkably long, delicate clear stem and a wide, stable foot signed by the artist.
Preliminary identification
Studio Art Glass Wine Goblet by Steven Main, 1993
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Story
Created in 1993, this goblet captures the peak of the American Studio Glass movement. Steven Main is known for 'painting' with molten glass, using heat and gravity to create cosmic landscapes inside functional forms.
Maker / Origin
Steven Main is a celebrated American glass artist who established his studio in 1979. His work is defined by a fascination with color relationships and atmospheric effects, often drawing inspiration from the natural world and deep space.
Condition & Value
The glass appears to be in excellent condition with no visible chips or 'sickness' (clouding). The clarity of the stem and the vibrancy of the amethyst bowl suggest it has been well-preserved. Excellent condition maintains the top end of the value range.
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Market Analysis
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.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.