Master glass blower's style inspired by experiences
Q. This is a photo of a glass vase I own. I recently saw a similar vase in the glass collection at the University of Miami Lowe Art Museum. A mark on the vase reads, "Lino Tagliapietra - Murano - 1982 - 28/100." The vase is 12 inches tall and in mint condition. My husband owned it before we were married, and he is now deceased.
I am interested to learn more about its history and value. What can you tell me?
A. Lino Tagliapietra, glass artist and master glassmaker, was born in Murano, Italy, in 1934. He achieved the title "maestro" (master glass blower) in his early 20s. He was inspired by modern artists Mark Rothko and Ellsworth Kelly, as well as the glass he saw in Murano and Venice, Italy, and his life experiences. Tagliapietra has been both student and teacher and gained worldwide recognition for his innovative works. His works are exhibited in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and many galleries. Renowned artist and glass blower Dale Chihuly holds Tagliapietra in high regard. While in Murano, Chihuly taught him glass-blowing techniques, and Tagliapietra shared his skills with Chihuly. Tagliapietra creates his own colors, and his style reflects his culture, education and background.
The numbers on the bottom of the vase indicate that it was made in 1982 and is the 28th piece of a series of 100. Your vase was made in Murano. Similar pieces have been valued between $1,200 and $1,500.
Q. This mark is on the back of a porcelain plate. The plate has a cream-colored glaze and is decorated with the image of a child in the center. It is square-shaped, but the corners are rolled in and trimmed in gold. It measures 8 inches by 8 inches.
I recently inherited it and would like to know more about the maker, age and value. Could you tell me anything about it?
A. Your plate was made by Haviland and Co. The factory was founded by American businessman David Haviland in Limoges, France, in 1842. In the beginning Haviland purchased blanks, had them decorated and then exported them back to the United States. By 1864 he saw the significance of owning and operating his own factory. He introduced pottery techniques that were used in the U.S. For a while the French decorators strongly resisted his new ways.
Your plate was made around 1879 and would probably be worth $25 to $45.
• Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Items of a general interest will be answered in this column. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters.
© 2016, Creators Syndicate