Posted 11 years ago
Michelleb007
(256 items)
I am posting these vases in response to Justanovice's post last week of a similar vase. The large bowl is 20" in circumference (about 6.5" across), and is 4.75" tall with a 4.25" opening, while the smaller vase is 4" tall and 4.75" across. The smaller vase has the same pattern as the large one, but the iridescence isn't as good and the molding is a bit more shallow. I believe these are Kralik due to their decor, but if anyone feels otherwise, please let me know.
The large vase is the same width as Justanovice's vase, but seems to have an additional row of swags in the patterning, and it is also shorter than Justanovice's vase and has a wider opening. I find it interesting that these vases look so similar, have the same circumference, but vary in other details, so perhaps they were made in a different series of molds?
Anyway, just wanted to share.
Lets hope someone can answer why there is a difference with neck size etc although the same pattern - it would be interesting to find out! Look great together!!
Thanks!
Hi Michelle, I have had the following explanation sent to me, I hope you find this useful and that it answers some questions we both had on our Mother of Pearl vases!
The reasons for the differences in sizes, shapes and decor patterns are because the molds were generally made of wood and produced by hand in a mold shop. Because of this they would vary slightly for similar sizes and also in sizes and shapes. In addition to that the patterns would have been carved by hand in the interior so they would vary from mold to mold also.
Generally, depending on the quality being desired, a wood mold would make several hundreds of pieces of glass before it was replaced. (300 - 500 is what have read)
The variances in iridescence can be simply attributed to differences in production and how well or poorly the process was employed that was used to create the surface iridescence....
Wow! Thanks so much for letting me know. How interesting! I didn't know the molds were wood, and now it makes sense that there would be so much slight variation in sizes and patterns. I am so glad I found this forum - I have learned so much from everyone. Thanks again!