RARE VALERIE SURJAN ART GLASS VASE 1982 (02/08/2007)

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RARE VALERIE SURJAN ART GLASS VASE 1982

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RARE VALERIE SURJAN ART GLASS VASE 1982

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Sold Date: 02/08/2007
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Glass

I bought this Valerie Surjan Art Glass Vase new in 1983 from a local high-end art gallery in Santa Barbara. While most of her work that is for sale is limited editions, I believe that this piece is an extremely rare and hard to find ONE OF A KIND. If anyone knows differently, please let me know. The bottom is signed by the artist and inscribed NEUROT and has the numbers VS-103-82 engraved on it. I have the original registration card that came with this piece which calls the design FIGHTING COCK AND PEONIES. This FULL 10 INCH vase is a rich and vibrant Red and Orange with a white layer sandwiched in between. The vase is in perfect shape and has been packed away for many years. My reserve price is just a tad over what I paid for it in 1983. I believe this vase to be extremely rare and sure to appreciate. It certainly is well worthy of any fine art glass collection. Remember, this is the only one of these vases to be made!! T are NO others! The following is some information about the artist: Valerie Surjan, creates distinctive engraved designs on handblown glass vases, bowls, scent vials and sculptural works. Surjan's engraved designs are all original and usually involve flowers, fruits and other botanical subjects or, more recently, a series of African Wildlife compositions. The vases on which she creates her etchings were individually handblown for her by California glass artist Michael Nourot. These "blank" vases are usually blown in three layers of glass, with white sandwiched between two thick layers of opaque color. The process she uses dates back to the 1870s and involves high pressure etching with fine grain garnet. The work is tedious -- a large vase may require 30 hours or more to complete -- and risky, since one mistake can destroy a piece. Surjan begins by masking the entire piece with pressure resistant tape, onto which she draws her design in precise detail. Although she may repeat themes, each work is unique, having been created to fit the particular color and shape of the blank vase. Using special blades, she cuts each line of the design, and then removes sections of tape one at a time. The engraving begins with those areas to be most deeply cut and progresses to those details which entail only a light surface frosting. Occasionally she uses an auxiliary process such as gold leafing or enameling to accent a design. Finally, each vase is signed, dated and registered by number. Surjan earned her Bachelors degree in Art from State University College, Buffalo , New York , and studied art in Siena, Italy . She was a glass designer with Orient and Flume Art Glass Co. prior to establishing her own Northern California studio in 1978. Her works are included in numerous public and private collections, including those of actress Carol Burnett and athlete Moses Malone, and have been exhibited at major museums throughout the United States, including The Smithsonian's Renwick Museum, Washington, D.C., and in Japan PLEASE DO NOT USE EBAY CHECKOUT. I WILL CONTACT YOU AFTER THE SALE WITH INSTRUCTIONS. T is NEVER a packing or materials charge. Buyer pays priority shipping, optional insurance and delivery confirmation (only $.50 more) unless OTHER ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE BEFOREHAND. This is for your protection as well as mine. At this time I am only able to accept personal checks or Money Orders. Thank you for your understanding. REMEMBER, checks and money orders will be held until they clear. Your sale number will be printed on your delivery box near the address label. Good luck and good bidding.