Phoenix Glass Vase, 1940s Dancing Nudes, Art Nouveau, 12 H Blue & Clear, Label
Phoenix Glass Vase, 1940s Dancing Nudes, Art Nouveau, 12 H Blue & Clear, Label. This is a wonderful Art Nouveau frosted glass vase made by Phoenix glass in Pennsylvania. It is a highly collectible glass piece. It is a little different from similar Phoenix vases in that the nudes are clear glass rather than white glass. The dancing nudes are dimensional and really catch the eye on a table or up on a shelf.
The Phoenix label is 98% intact, which you don't often fine. This vase was in my parents' collection for decades. The Phoenix Glass Company was formed in 1880 in Monaca, Pennsylvania and like many other glass companies at that time, they initially thrived on the market for oil and gas lamp chimneys. Moving on to making lamps, globes, shades and electric light bulbs, they formed alliances with a number of glassworks and individuals who could bring specialist glass-making skills to Phoenix.
During the 1880's and 1890's they produced a large volume of coloured cut glass, etched glass, hand decorated glass, and fancy coloured art glass, such as mother-of-pearl satin glass which they patented in 1885. However, the name Phoenix today is primarily associated with the Sculptured Art Glass which they produced from 1933 to 1958. This glass was hand blown into special molds which had mold joints following the pattern in the glass to avoid obvious mold lines. These patterns had bold designs raised up very prominently from the background. Contrasting colours were applied either to the background or the relief designs, and then fired or baked onto the glass at temperatures over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
The vase measures 11½ inches tall, 8 inches at its widest, and 5 inches in diameter at the top. The condition is excellent with no chips or cracks. I see one very small scratch on one of the nudes which I tried to photograph.
Please note: I would describe the blue as sky blue. The photos seem to show various shades of blue, but the blue is a striking sky blue. Please message me with any questions or need for more photos.