Posted 7 years ago
kralik1928
(202 items)
This is a beautiful Czech vase from 1920s-30s with infra-red glass and a mirror like flash. The distinguishing thing about this maker is the thinness of the glass and the mirror quality of the finish- reminds me very much of Jean Beck glass. I have seen this type in red, gold, cobalt and green. Although it is associated with Kralik, none of the shapes match Kralik shapes so for me it is a whole new anomaly. The vase is 10" tall
the sheen is startling & the blood red stunning thanks for sharing Jericho
I have an image of a Carnival glass pitcher with a Kralik label on it, yet we do not really see Carnival production by them as a company. This example is not indicative of their production, yet it has an acid stamp associated more often than not with their production. We also know of a piece of Stolzle pressed glass with a Royal Art Glass label recognized by most, including the Glasmarken Lexicon, as a Welz label.
I am of the opinion that many, if not all of these companies likely ordered, under special circumstances, production from other companies for one of their customers. If a customer of Kralik's or Welz's for example wanted something they did not produce, as opposed to referring them to a different maker to order it, I think they would obtain it, brand it, and sell it to their customer.
From a business standpoint, this is a very reasonable approach for them to take. It is much more sound than simply telling the customer to do business with someone else. It also allows them to provide better customer service.
Interesting find.
I think that this explanation is at least as viable as some of the other theories that have been presented in this forum regarding random placement of one or two labels. As an overall, it makes perfect sense to me.
I'm preparing for the day when these things come to light. I have seen this finish with Kralik marks as you have so I tend to lean towards Kralik. What troubles me is the thin glass aspect. Kralik can vary in thickness but rarely this thin for a piece this large... so for me it was a different facility or even production technique- like partly mechanized... definitely seems later in production than the bulkier pieces. It is a mystery to me...
p.s. There are (in my opinion) about 8 or 9 kralik marks. This one I feel is not as consistent as other marks. your theory explains really well how a subcontractor could partner with a prestigious firm like kralik and make quick money without the all the infrastructure- thanx Craig
It is a production of the W. Kralik glassworks. Some examples of this type of glass are in the Museum in Lenora. Examples of this type of glass with the label "WI KRA SO" are known.