Small Frosted Glass Flower Vase with Metal Wire Overlay
This small vintage Japanese vase is notable above all for combining soft frosted glass with intricate gold-tone metal filigree in a single object. The body is frosted glass with a pale bluish-grey, milky tone; rather than a clear, sparkling surface, it has a hazy, soft sheen. Over it, gold-colored metal wire is coiled into flowers, scrolling foliage and geometric fret patterns, creating a vivid contrast of materials. The form follows traditional vase proportions, with a flared mouth, short neck, full shoulders and tapering body. The rim flares slightly outward with a naturally undulating edge, adding a handmade touch to the otherwise regular body. The neck and base are encircled by bands of continuous metal fretwork, like a delicate metal frame around the glass. The most eye-catching work is concentrated on the belly. Metal wires run vertically along the body, dividing the surface into several decorative zones filled with raised flowers, spiral scrolls and fine filigree. Up close one can see the woven texture of the wire itself; from a distance it reads as a piece of East Asian decorative art, ornate but not gaudy.
