DESCRIPTION: Steuben gold Aurene stocking darner.
Whimsy, Iridized lead glass, Open pontil.
Reference:
Shown at page 13 of Objects of Desire: The Art of Frederick Carder by Alan Shovers.
See in Fig. 8.20, p. 185 of Dimitroff's, Frederick Carder and Steuben Glass. Glassworkers throughout history are known to have created their own pieces at the factory, but on their own time. Most glass houses freely allowed workers the opportunity to exercise their creativity in this way. These works, often referred to as "Whimsies" include paper weights, stocking darners, letter openers. Carders workers were no exception.
See also, Plate X of The Glass of Frederick Carder by Paul V. Gardner.
A Collectors should realize that these products of the glassblower’s spare time were not normally placed in the lehring ovens. They are, therefore, subject to unusual stress and may actually disintegrate without any provocation whatsoever. P. 23 of A Guide to Colored Steuben Glass 1903-1933, Book Two by Ericson.
An iridescent glass as fine as Tiffany's was introduced in 1904 by Frederick Carder, an Englishman who became associated with Thomas G. Hawks of Corning, New York. Mr. Carder and Mr. Hawks formed the Steuben Glass Works, now a part of the Corning Glass Company.
Aurene was first blown and then coated in the desired coloring. In form, it was more classical than Tiffany's or possibly it should be described as less arty. In fact, certain of this ware was modern looking, more in keeping with present-day taste. While Mr. Carder did make some flowered pieces similar to Tiffany's, he was not so given to elaborate or peculiarly-shaped objects.
Frederick Carder, like Tiffany, designed all his own glass. Mr. Carders Aurene although not advertised was handled by salesmen. As a result, it did not become so well know as Favrile. Tiffany's glass was produced in quantity and therefore turns up more frequently today than the scarcer Aurene. Pgs. 93-95, Nineteenth-Century Art Glass by Ruth Webb Lee.
Provenance:
Estate of Mr. and Ms. Alan Shovers
Acquired 1/27/99 from Penny N= Sue=s Antiques of San Clemente, CA.
CIRCA: 1920-1925
DIMENSIONS: H: 2.5" x L: 6.5"
CONDITION: Great condition. Normal signs of age. See lot description for details on item condition. More detailed condition requests can be obtained via email (info@akibaantiques.com) or SMS 305-332-9274. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Akiba Antiques shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.