Loetz Turmalin, Dek 305, Form Nr. Unknown, ca. 1902

Newly arrived from across the pond, this is a rare example of Turmalin, with a colorless ground and a slightly violet matte iridescence. This pattern of gold paint in relief is Dek (decor) 305, identified by number within the ground and highly polished pontil. Fire polished rim with eight prunts applied while the glass was hot (evidenced by the slight indentation behind each one inside the vase). No doubt named after the semi-precious gem, Tourmaline, this is another example of Loetz taking something wonderful found in nature and translating it into breathtakingly beautiful glass.