Large Blue Pressed Glass Bowl, UV-Reactive, Manganese Glass, 1960s

US$600.00

A substantial mid-20th-century blue art glass bowl, produced in thick pressed glass and distinguished by its refined proportions, exceptional weight, and luminous color.

The bowl presents a broad, open mouth with gently flared walls, rising from a stepped circular foot that provides both visual lift and structural balance.

The glass displays a nuanced blue tonality, deepening toward the base and softening toward the rim.

Authenticity & Construction

Close examination reveals controlled mold flow and clean pressing, confirming molded manufacture rather than free-blown production. The surface clarity is high, with uncontrolled air bubbles visible in macro views; an inherent feature of decorative glassmaking rather than a defect;—adding depth and evidence of material movement during forming.

Under 365 nm ultraviolet light, the bowl emits a striking cool blue fluorescence, as documented in the final image. This response is consistent with manganese-bearing soda-lime glass incorporating modern refining additives, commonly employed in mid-century glass production. The fluorescence is material-based and integral to the glass rather than surface treatment. No reaction is observed under short-wave UV.

The scale, weight, and restrained form place this piece firmly within the mid-century decorative art glass tradition, where sculptural presence and material quality were prioritized over overt ornamentation.

Dimensions & Weight

  • Height: 5 3/4 inches

  • Diameter at mouth: 10 inches

  • Weight: 5.3 lbs

Condition

Excellent vintage condition. No chips, cracks, or scratches No repairs Presence of inherent air bubbles, visible in close-up photography and consistent with the manufacturing process. Please review all images carefully, including macro details.

Attribution & Period

Mid-20th century, circa 1960s. Dating is supported by manufacturing technique, form, glass chemistry, UV response, and overall refinement consistent with decorative pressed glass production of the period.

No maker’s mark is present; the bowl is offered unattributed, in keeping with responsible cataloguing standards.

Material & UV Disclosure Pressed soda-lime glass with manganese content and modern refining agents, exhibiting blue fluorescence under 365 nm UV light. No uranium content indicated.

Placement

The bowl functions equally as a utilitarian centerpiece or as a stand-alone display object, particularly effective when exhibited with directional or back lighting.

Decor / Collection Context Mid-Century Decorative Art Glass; sculptural Glass; Organic Modernism

STANDARD ATTRIBUTION & VALUE DISCLOSURE

This piece is described to the best of current scholarly and market knowledge. Any maker or regional attribution is based on visual analysis, materials, construction techniques, and documented stylistic comparisons. As with many vintage and antique glass objects, definitive attribution may not be possible without original labels or factory records. Pricing reflects condition, quality, decorative appeal, and current collector demand rather than a guaranteed maker identification.

A substantial mid-20th-century blue art glass bowl, produced in thick pressed glass and distinguished by its refined proportions, exceptional weight, and luminous color.

The bowl presents a broad, open mouth with gently flared walls, rising from a stepped circular foot that provides both visual lift and structural balance.

The glass displays a nuanced blue tonality, deepening toward the base and softening toward the rim.

Authenticity & Construction

Close examination reveals controlled mold flow and clean pressing, confirming molded manufacture rather than free-blown production. The surface clarity is high, with uncontrolled air bubbles visible in macro views; an inherent feature of decorative glassmaking rather than a defect;—adding depth and evidence of material movement during forming.

Under 365 nm ultraviolet light, the bowl emits a striking cool blue fluorescence, as documented in the final image. This response is consistent with manganese-bearing soda-lime glass incorporating modern refining additives, commonly employed in mid-century glass production. The fluorescence is material-based and integral to the glass rather than surface treatment. No reaction is observed under short-wave UV.

The scale, weight, and restrained form place this piece firmly within the mid-century decorative art glass tradition, where sculptural presence and material quality were prioritized over overt ornamentation.

Dimensions & Weight

  • Height: 5 3/4 inches

  • Diameter at mouth: 10 inches

  • Weight: 5.3 lbs

Condition

Excellent vintage condition. No chips, cracks, or scratches No repairs Presence of inherent air bubbles, visible in close-up photography and consistent with the manufacturing process. Please review all images carefully, including macro details.

Attribution & Period

Mid-20th century, circa 1960s. Dating is supported by manufacturing technique, form, glass chemistry, UV response, and overall refinement consistent with decorative pressed glass production of the period.

No maker’s mark is present; the bowl is offered unattributed, in keeping with responsible cataloguing standards.

Material & UV Disclosure Pressed soda-lime glass with manganese content and modern refining agents, exhibiting blue fluorescence under 365 nm UV light. No uranium content indicated.

Placement

The bowl functions equally as a utilitarian centerpiece or as a stand-alone display object, particularly effective when exhibited with directional or back lighting.

Decor / Collection Context Mid-Century Decorative Art Glass; sculptural Glass; Organic Modernism

STANDARD ATTRIBUTION & VALUE DISCLOSURE

This piece is described to the best of current scholarly and market knowledge. Any maker or regional attribution is based on visual analysis, materials, construction techniques, and documented stylistic comparisons. As with many vintage and antique glass objects, definitive attribution may not be possible without original labels or factory records. Pricing reflects condition, quality, decorative appeal, and current collector demand rather than a guaranteed maker identification.