Posted 6 years ago
jericho
(236 items)
I was asked buy a friend on Instagram for an ID. I looked at the vase and said Kralik in Iris Decor. Then I thought about the shape apart from the decor.... something didn't seem right. If I look only at the decor I know it well- A crystal base with red white and green confetti and a second layer of finer confetti in black. I feel like the shape was a common variation of the double gourd shape... When I looked for the specific shape I could not find it. I looked at my Ruckl folders and could not find it. I knew I had seen the shape before! it wasn't until I looked at the Welz folder did I discover the true attribution could be Welz- It was a match. I remembered the decor came in a knuckle (Umbrella) shape as well.... so here they are; once again the shape was the deciding factor.
These days I look at decors more than shapes, if the shape is confirmed to be in the same shape with 2 or 3 more decors from one maker, then I will go with the cumulative evidence of the decors.
We had a discussion the other day between Tomschick and Kralik, that Tango Sklo vase with a layered shape forming a zig zag profile. The one in yellow and a bottom spatter. I know many Kralik pieces with this combination of colors and the decor, and those pieces are also confirmed by more Kralik decors, which are also marked. One piece should not determine a whole line, especially with pictures. Even then, why not 2 makers?
Could work with a two maker theory -especially in the zig-zag shapes. In general I’m looking into shapes or shape styles. The only thing I can add to the conversation about identity from glass colors is to be carefull because many glass houses used the same materials- Whereas molds were more distinct. Both shape and colors in combination with other things can help you to identify a piece but that’s if you only want to collect from one company.
ID features list (in order of importance)
1. Documented designer 100% reliable
2. Documented mark 100% reliable
3. Distinct shape or mold 75% reliable
4. Distinct type of decor or technique 65% reliable
5. Distinct finish or 50% reliable
6. Weight (thickness of glass) 30% reliable
7. Size and weight 30% reliable
8. Distinct features like rim bevel or base (foot) imprint 30% reliable
What I learned from being fooled by scailmonts 16” -Vs -Kralik 16” is that non-distinct shapes are easily ripped off, the same goes for non distinct color chips or decors.
I used to look at non-distinct techniques too like the black pull-up - used to think they were all made by Kralik but no. Everybody used it
Moral of the story: use the most distinct items on the list and stay away from non-distinct (generic) features for ID-
PS- it’s also good not to know, like Craig always is very cautious about knowing (I am not as carefull) but I’m not a researcher - I can guess based on my experience (then I can change my mind)