Preliminary identification

Mid-Century Cased Opaline Glass Vase in Coral Pink

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a beautiful mid-century cased glass vase featuring a vibrant coral-pink exterior layered over a clean white opaline interior. The classic baluster form is elevated by a flared rim and a translucent, slightly darker pink foot that catches the light beautifully.

Story

In post-war Italy, glassmakers in Murano and Empoli revolutionized home decor by wrapping fiery, saturated colors over stark white glass. This 'cased' technique brought a luminous, modern glow into mid-century living rooms.

Maker / Origin

While unsigned, this style of cased glass was a specialty of Italian glasshouses in Murano and the Empoli region near Florence during the 1950s and 60s. Renowned factories like Alrose, Opalina Fiorentina, and various Murano cooperatives exported these colorful, sculptural vessels worldwide to satisfy the global hunger for modern design.

Condition & Value

The vase appears to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips, cracks, or flea bites along the delicate rim. There is minor shelf wear on the bottom surface, which is expected and confirms its vintage age. Excellent condition preserves its full decorative value.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

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.

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.