This is an unusual example of a ‘seconds’ quality vase from a limited edition studio range designed by Margot Thomson for Caithness Glass and produced in 1993.
The vase is made from very thick glass, with a narrow aperture at the apex of the bulbous upper portion. This tapers in and sits on a solid, flared base.
The interior of the vase has been acid-etched to give a frosted appearance. There is a striking blue layer of ‘graal’ with a repeating dragonfly motif. One of these has a split through it, which is one reason why it is deemed a ‘seconds’ piece. This decoration is encased in a thick layer of lead crystal.
The base is polished flat and unmarked.
Although this piece is unmarked, there are a few signed examples online of vases from this range that have been sold. I was fortunate enough to make contact with Helen MacDonald at Caithness Glass, who kindly reached out to Margot Thomson to ask her about this piece. She confirmed that because of the crack in the graal, and it being a long and complex process to produce such a piece, it would have been a shame to waste it. It was therefore made up into a different shape to distinguish it from the ten ‘first’ quality pieces that were produced.
It has a height of approximately 24.5cm, with a diameter across the rim of 7.0cm and across the base of about 6.7cm.
It has an unwrapped weight of 5130g.
It is in excellent condition, with no chips or cracks. Aside from the flaw in the graal layer, there is also a piece of frit within the base of the interior (see pictures).
| Weight | 15 kg |
|---|---|
| Boxed | No |
| Main Colour | Blue (Dark) |
| Manufacturer | Caithness Glass |
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