Posted 13 years ago
rockymtnbl…
(3 items)
Thanks to those who responded, and to Bohemianglassandmore who identified this as Kralik Sea Urchin. I then contacted Craig Orkney of Kralik-glass.com, who verified that identification. I have yet to find another image of this vase, however. Apparently it is uncommon to find the Sea Urchin as an epergne. I would love to know if anyone else has seen this.
Does it slot into the plated piece or is it permanently fixed?
I ask because it looks like an epergne flute.
If it comes out I'm sure other would like to see a photo of the bottom of the piece and how it is worked and finished.
Dear Vetraio50: I have always thought it is permanently fixed. I have never tried to remove it from the holder. I expect in order to do so, one might gently twist on the base of the glass, which I have just attempted. However the resistance would lead me to believe it does not come out. I hesitate to apply more force-- obviously-- due to the possibility of breakage. I am hoping to attend the Worldwide Antique Show in Denver at the end of the month and may take the vase. Perhaps one of the dealers can determine if the glass is removable from the holder. Can you tell me what exactly is an "epergne flute?"
Hi there!
Resist any temptation to force it.
Epergne http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epergne
A table centre piece. They had a base of glass or metal and probably was a bit more solid than the one you have. It might be a bit top heavy for it. Be careful.
Google images "epergne flute" and you'll see their great variety.
They can be singles and also extravagantly numerous in differing sizes.
I'm sure that some of the 'glasshounds' will soon be able to give you an attribution.
Your epergne is made by Wilhelm Kralik Soehne, ca. 1910 - we generally call this decor "sea urchin" - if you google Kralik Sea Urchin, you will find some other examples of vases; this is the first epergne I have seen. Nice find!
This is really beautiful, but I agree with Vetraio that the base could be small for the glass. However, there are many more folks who have a better understanding than I.
BohemianGlass is one of them. Great ID Bohemian!
I sincerely appreciate the information on my mystery vase! My mother bought hundreds of vases (as well as plates) over the span of three decades or so, everything from the sublime to the commonplace. If she thought it was pretty or interesting, she didn't hesitate to buy it. Too many of her pieces were stashed in boxes the attic of her small house instead of being displayed. When she became unable to care for herself, I moved her to my home, three times the size of her little house. I opened all those boxes and put as many vases as I could everywhere that I could find a place for them. I learned from her what was Roseville, Van Briggle, RS Prussia, Bristol, cloisonne and others , but for so many of the vases she had lost the receipts, and did not know what they were. Her passion for these beautiful objects has been contagious, as I find myself wanting to know their identity and history. And of course, to pursue this is a tribute to her and a comfort to me. I feel that the best of her spirit lives on in her collection and that I owe it to her to love and cherish her treasured vases just as she did. As time permits, I hope to post many more of her wonderful vases that are a mystery to me...
I hope to see more of those objects, rockymtnbluebird! Thank you for sharing this one with us. As bohemianglassandmore says it is a first for many of us! Hopefully there will be more!