Opalescent Glass Butterflies. The term “opalescent glass” is commonly used to describe glass where more than one color is present, being fused during the manufacture, as against flashed glass in which two colors may be laminated, or silver stained glass where a solution of silver nitrate is superficially applied, turning red glass to orange and blue glass to green. Some opalescent glass was used by several stained glass studios in England from the 1860s and 1870s onwards, notably Heaton, Butler and Bayne. Its use became increasingly common. Opalescent glass is the basis for the range of glasses created by Tiffany. Reference: Wikipedia
Below are some examples of opalescent glass objects with butterflies as part of their design.
‘CLEMATIS ET PAPILLONS’ A DAUM FRÈRES CARVED CAMEO GLASS VASE CIRCA 1905 Opalescent glass, over-laid and acid-etched with butterflies and clematis, engraved Daum Nancy with Cross of Lorraine 11 in. (28 cm.) high
Sold for GBP 4,750 at Christie’s in 2012
Tiffany Favrile Glass Vase Circa 1920 Of floriform, in pastel green and opalescent, with a short knopped stem and domed disk foot, the interior engraved with a butterfly, signed L.C. Tiffany-Favrile. Height 10 3/8 inches.
Sold for $1,062 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle New York in 2009
Vintage Sabino Paris France art glass opalescent miniature closed wing butterfly figurine. Etched Sabino Paris along with the original sticker label to the underside base. A molded signature to the under the wings. Weight Approx., 12 ounces Measures Approx., 4.75 inches x 2 inches x 6.25 inches height
Sold for $150 at Taylor & Harris in 2019
A Gallé etched and enamelled glass vase circa 1890 colourless glass with opalescent and opaque red and yellow layers, delicately etched and enamelled with flowers, butterflies, frogs and a sun-burst in brown, pink, purple, yellow, green, blue and white, with two applied handles engraved elaborate flower mark Cristallerie de Gallé, Nancy modèle et décor déposés height 28,5 cm, large restored crack
Sold for 3,000 EUR at Sotheby’s in 2006
A Lalique ‘Quatre Papillon’ box and cover, frosted and opalescent, of circular shape, the cover moulded in low relief with four butterflies, the base with stylised trees, 8cm dia., etched R.LALIQUE FRANCE mark.
Sold for £ 352 inc. premium at Bonhams in 2005
10″ Pickle Castor – Ice Blue Opalescent Art Glass Insert with Coralene Butterfly & Floral Decor – Insert Has Applied Rigoree Rim – Set on Tufts #2495 Silver plate Frame – Includes Elaborate Pair on Tongs
Sold for $700 at Woody Auction LLC in 2017
