Posted 11 years ago
beyemvey
(214 items)
This 1973 signed and dated sculpture by Kent Forrest Ipsen is quite large in scale. The height approaches 15" and it is approximately 6" in diameter at the widest point. Although at first glance, it may look like a vase, there is no opening at the top and the "neck" is quite narrow and solid. The base glass is a vibrant ruby red, and it is decorated by colorful iridescent clouds of blue, white, etc.
Many are aware that Ipsen passed away a year ago in February. He studied under Harvey Littleton at Wisconsin-Madison in the 1960s, and is recognized as one of the founders of the American Studio Glass movement. Examples of his work reside in many glass museums. This sculpture is the same date as a 14" vase that already resides in my collection, so the two make a wonderful study pair of Ipsen's style in the early 1970s.
This is the companion piece to the sculpture... http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/75415-an-early-major-work-by-kent-forrest-ipse?in=user
I second, Bennin68. Wow! The neck on this piece is so narrow and elegant. I would be afraid of breaking it, though.
Cogito - I sweated it out while the item was in transit for fear that it might snap... still, the height of the sculpture gives the illusion of fragility... it is still ~1/2" thick at the thinnest point. I would never dare to pick it up by the neck... very heavy. The seller shipped it in a 12x24" box, lined with styrofoam, then peanuts, and the glass was in many layers of bubble wrap.