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Finding the Right Vases for You
Whether it’s a Chinese Han dynasty glazed ceramic wine vessel, a work of Murano glass or a hand-painted Scandinavian modern stoneware piece, a fine vase brings a piece of history into your space as much as it adds a sophisticated dynamic.
Like sculptures or paintings, antique and vintage vases are considered works of fine art. Once offered as tributes to ancient rulers, vases continue to be gifted to heads of state today. Over time, decorative porcelain vases have become family heirlooms to be displayed prominently in our homes — loved pieces treasured from generation to generation.
The functional value of vases is well known. They were traditionally utilized as vessels for carrying dry goods or liquids, so some have handles and feature an opening at the top (where they flare back out). While artists have explored wildly sculptural alternatives over time, the most conventional vase shape is characterized by a bulbous base and a body with shoulders where the form curves inward.
Owing to their intrinsic functionality, vases are quite possibly versatile in ways few other art forms can match. They’re typically taller than they are wide. Some have a neck that offers height and is ideal for the stems of cut flowers. To pair with your mid-century modern decor, the right vase will be an elegant receptacle for leafy snake plants on your teak dining table, or, in the case of welcoming guests on your doorstep, a large ceramic floor vase for long tree branches or sticks — perhaps one crafted in the Art Nouveau style — works wonders.
Interior designers include vases of every type, size and style in their projects — be the canvas indoors or outdoors — often introducing a splash of color and a range of textures to an entryway or merely calling attention to nature’s asymmetries by bringing more organically shaped decorative objects into a home.
On 1stDibs, you can browse our collection of vases by material, including ceramic, glass, porcelain and more. Sizes range from tiny bud vases to massive statement pieces and every size in between.
- Is Tiffany glass real glass?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024Yes, Tiffany glass is real glass. Louis Comfort Tiffany and his workshop, Tiffany Studios, produced many types of decorative glassware, such as opalescent glass, Favrile glass, streamer glass, fracture glass and ripple glass. While the colors, patterns, thicknesses and other characteristics of these materials vary, they are all forms of glass. Find a diverse assortment of antique Tiffany lamps on 1stDibs.
- What is Tiffany Favrile glass?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Louis Comfort Tiffany created Favrile glass, which is a very attractive iridescent art glass. Tiffany patented his unique process, which ingrains the color into the glass, in 1894 and produced the glass for manufacturing for the first time in 1896. Shop iconic Tiffany glass from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024The difference between Tiffany glass and stained glass is that one relates to a brand and the other is a type of glass. Stained glass is colorful glass made by adding metallic oxides to molten glass during the blowing process. Named after Louis Comfort Tiffany who established Tiffany Studios, Tiffany glass involves a technique where copper foil, rather than the traditional lead oxide, serves as the joining material for individual stained glass pieces. Another key characteristic of Tiffany glass is that it often has an opalescent effect that creates variations in color and texture across its surface. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Tiffany glass and other stained glass pieces.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024To tell if stained glass is Tiffany, first examine the piece and look for a maker's mark. Tiffany Studios changed its hallmarks many times over the years. By comparing the marking on your piece to images of hallmarks found on authentic items shared on trustworthy websites, you can begin to identify your glass. The base can provide an additional clue if your stained glass piece is a lamp. Many Tiffany lamps have a gray metal ring located under the cap. If you spot one, your piece may be made by Tiffany. Because there are many reproductions on the market, it is often wise to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer assist with the identification process. Find a range of Tiffany glass on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024To tell if Tiffany glass is Favrile, first check the piece for markings. Many pieces will have the word "Favrile" etched into an inconspicuous area, such as on the base. The iridescent quality of the glass can also be a good indicator of whether or not it is Favrile. However, it can be difficult to identify without experience and training. As a result, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer if you don't locate a Favrile marking on your piece. Shop a collection of Tiffany glass on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Louis Comfort Tiffany’s favrile glass is said to be special because of the deep incandescent colors, which are reminiscent of a butterfly’s wing or a peacock’s neck. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic favrile glass pieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
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