Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A stunning pressed glass bowl featuring the classic 'Water Lily' pattern, executed in Fenton's rare and magical Alexandrite glass. This dichroic glass shifts from a vibrant lavender under natural light to a soft blue under fluorescent lighting.
Story
West Virginia glassmakers mastered a secret recipe using rare earth elements to create this color. It was released as part of Fenton's 100th anniversary celebrations, honoring a century of American hand-pressed artistry.
Maker / Origin
Founded in 1905, Fenton was the largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass in the United States. They were famous for their innovative colors and for surviving the Great Depression by pivoting to functional items like this bowl.
Condition & Value
The glass appears clear with no visible 'sick glass' clouding or major chips on the delicate scalloped edges. Excellent condition for this type of glass significantly stabilizes the value. Alexandrite is one of the most sought-after Fenton colors due to its color-changing properties.
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.