Glass Sculture with Signature.
The item I am interested in getting an appraisal for is what looks like either murano glass or a sculpture similar to those of René Lalique. My Grandparents who are now in their 90s now acquired it from the owner of a private art studio that was adjacent to their business in Fort Lauderdale, FL in the 1990's. They purchased it for approx 1500 dollars but it was more of a gesture of good faith as they were neighbors in business. They dont really remember much about the person who gave it to them expect that him and his partner left Fort Lauderdale for Atlanta to work on a large project shortly after they acquired the piece. . I'm not sure if this would of been the studio owner was the artist as well. If so, he would have been middle aged at the time, in the 1990's.. It weighs approx 15-20 pounds and is 7' in height. The opening is 14" across and the total length is approx 21". It is signed on the back but we cant really make it out. I will attach a photo for your review. any help would be great!
Inherited from my grandparents, who purchased it in Fort Lauderdale, FL.. Artist unknown.
Inherited
Yes
Good morning, Eric,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
The signature reads "J. Thibeaux" and is the work of James Thibeaux, who is a contemporary glass blower in Florida (I can't find an obit for him so I think he's still alive; here is an article on him: http://www.pbcandg.com/apr07/artist.php). I can only find one example of his pieces having sold at auction (for a couple hundred dollars) and most of the prices for him are retail prices typically seen in art galleries and which are usually much higher than auction prices.
Based on the photographs and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A contemporary American studio glass vessel
Made by James Thibeaux, Florida, late 20th Century
7 inches high, 21 inches wide
$600-900*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, and thank you again for using Mearto.
Its impossible to tell by looking as many contemporary glass artisans are using new and unusual materials, some of which need to be scientifically tested. I've done a bit of checking on what materials Thibeaux used but it's not conclusive. Could be silver, pewter or some unusual element.
Thank you for your prompt and very informed appraisal! Just as a quick follow up, what material would do you think the metallic bottom is made of? Thanks!