Preliminary identification

Mikasa 'Trombone' or 'Stained Glass' Style Hand-Painted Wine Glasses

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

A striking set of contemporary stemmed wine glasses featuring a hand-painted, stained-glass inspired design. The bowls are decorated with swirling, abstract bands of rich amber, ruby red, and sapphire blue, outlined in raised black relief to mimic leaded glass came.

Story

In the 1990s, dinner parties underwent a colorful revolution as hosts moved away from formal, plain crystal. These glasses brought the luminous beauty of cathedral stained glass directly to the dining table, turning every pour into a miniature light show.

Maker / Origin

Mikasa, founded in California in 1948, became a titan of American tabletop fashion by sourcing high-quality, innovative designs from top-tier glassworks in Europe and Japan. They specialized in translating high-art aesthetics into accessible, durable luxury for the modern home.

Condition & Value

The glasses appear to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips or cracks. The hand-painted enamel and gold rims are highly susceptible to harsh dishwashing detergents; gentle hand-washing is required to preserve the vibrant colors and prevent peeling, which would otherwise reduce their value by 50%.

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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 comps
Regional 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.