Mid-Century Gold Leaf Glass Bowl, occasionally misidentified as a decorative furniture insert or vanity vessel
Other: Decorative Accessory and Glassware (Serving/Decorative Bowl) · Mid-Century Modern / Hollywood Regency (circa 1950s-1960s). It features Neoclassical Revival and Greek Key motifs common in late Mid-Century decorative arts. · Likely manufactured by Culver Ltd., Georges Briard, or Libbey Glass Company, known for gold-encrusted glassware styles of this era.
Type
Other: Decorative Accessory and Glassware (Serving/Decorative Bowl)
Style Period
Mid-Century Modern / Hollywood Regency (circa 1950s-1960s). It features Neoclassical Revival and Greek Key motifs common in late Mid-Century decorative arts.
Material
Pressed clear glass with applied 22k gold leaf or high-fired metallic gold enamel stencil.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965.
Dimensions
Estimated 3-4 inches in height and 6-8 inches in diameter. Typical of a medium-sized nut or candy bowl.
Origin
United States; common in mid-century American suburban homes as part of 'hostess' sets or barware collections.
Designer/Maker
Likely manufactured by Culver Ltd., Georges Briard, or Libbey Glass Company, known for gold-encrusted glassware styles of this era.
Value Estimate
$25 - $65 (Market/Retail). Value is driven by the completeness of the gold pattern and the specific maker's mark if present.
Description
A striking example of Mid-Century 'Hollywood Regency' glamour, this bowl transitions from a utilitarian object to a piece of tabletop architecture. The clear glass provides a light, airy feel, while the heavy gold geometric banding and medallions offer a sense of luxury and classicism popular in post-war interior design.
Key Features
22k gold stenciling, Greek Key (Meander) border, central medallions, tapered bowl shape with a fire-polished rim.
Color & Finish
Clear glass base with a brilliant metallic gold finish. The gold features both matte and reflective luster within the geometric patterns.
Construction Method
Machine-pressed glass production with a secondary application of metallic silk-screening or gold-leaf stenciling.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
One-piece molded glass construction; craftsmanship is evident in the registration and alignment of the intricate gold stencil work.
Wood Grain & Species
None; glass and metallic media.
Surface Treatment
Acid-etched or silk-screened metallic application on the exterior surface, featuring neoclassical borders and medallions.
Upholstery Details
None; this is a solid glass and metallic item.
Hardware & Fittings
None; integrated glass form.
Origin & Provenance
United States; common in mid-century American suburban homes as part of 'hostess' sets or barware collections.
Condition Notes
Good condition; minor 'flea bites' on the rim and slight gold loss or 'scuffing' typical of age and washing. Grade: Good.
Interesting Facts
Culver Glass, a likely maker, used a secret process for firing 22k gold onto glass that made their pieces more durable and vibrant than competitors.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Barware Culture' of the 1960s where decorative serving pieces served as status symbols for social entertaining and home decor.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with contemporary Versace glass or older Moser/Bohemian glass; distinguish by the machine-pressed weight and the specific Mid-Century metallic application technique.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only in lukewarm water with mild soap; avoid abrasive sponges and never place in a dishwasher, as it will strip the gold leaf.
Value Estimate
$25 - $65 (Market/Retail). Value is driven by the completeness of the gold pattern and the specific maker's mark if present.
Sustainability Notes
A durable, vintage item that promotes reuse over modern disposable plastics; glass is infinitely recyclable, though the metallic content requires specialized glass recycling.