Mt Washington Burmese Art Glass Decorated Vase-Hawthorn withBerries-Victorian
Finding decorated examples of Mount Washington Burmese art glass is always a treat especially when larger sized examples come to the marketplace. The company developed this type of glass in 1885 where it soon gained the attention of Queen Victoria in England. A year later, in 1886, the company granted the English firm Thomas Webb and Sons a license to manufacture this type of glass. The Webb version became known as Queens Burmese Ware, a designation sometimes found on the bottom of individual examples. Both companies produced numerous shapes and sizes of this type of glass in decorated and plain versions all of which have become extremely popular in the collecting world today. Another aspect of this type of glass is that it contains uranium oxide dust reacting in the presence of ultraviolet light. The pink hue at the top of the examples was caused by the small amounts of gold incorporated into the glass mix and subsequently the pieces fired a second time after the initial cooling. The second heating cause a chemical reaction and a color change in the glass. This spectacular melon ribbed spittoon shaped vase has a beautiful decoration of either hawthorne sprigs or possibly Virginia creeper vines with berries.
The colors resemble that of autumn blaze hues as leaves begin to fall and berries exposed for the wildlife to feed. This vase measures 4 1/2" tall and approximately 5 1/2" across the broadest part of the body. The top opening spans 4 1/4 diameter. The glass is in factory original condition showing no damage or repair. The outside enameled design appears intact but I will not rule out a spot or two of minor wear do to use.
I will mention and as pictured some spots of darker colored stain visible on the inside at the very bottom. This was due to use and really not a deterrent to the beauty of this item. One picture reveals this type of glass reacts in the presence of ultraviolet light as it does contain uranium oxides. A very special larger size in a unique shape with striking decoration ready as a highlight on the shelf. Please view all pictures as they are considered part of the description. Please check back to my listings often as I will be posting numerous fine examples of glass, pottery and porcelain in the near future.
