My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

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Christie’s held its Living with Art sale on Thursday and Friday, October 13-14, 2016. Included in the sale was lot #327, a Daum Mushroom vase, a very desirable decoration. It’s a rare example where the decoration has been both wheel-carved and enameled. The problem with this particular vase is that it’s been cut down, probably to remove a big chip.

The example above is a Daum Winter vase with the original top.

I emailed Christie’s for a condition report on this lot to see if they knew the vase had been cut down. Apparently they didn’t. Here is their report. “In very good condition overall. With some light surface wear, as to be expected with age and handling. The underside with a large shallow chip, but which does not interfere with the inscription.” In their defense, they did make an announcement in the saleroom because I told them of the problem.

I guess that scared off all the buyers. The vase sold without reserve, so I bought it for $400 ($500 with the buyer’s premium). Wow! It’s a $10,000 vase in perfect condition. It’s for sale and you can buy it for 25% of the appraised value. $2,500 (or best offer) and it’s yours. The chip on the underside is unimportant and probably took place in the making when the pontil was removed. The top rim is altered, but the vase is still an outstanding and rare Mushroom vase. 25% – 33% is typically the selling price of high quality, but imperfect items. This is your opportunity.

And that’s why you buy from me. I vet all of the items I sell. You know what you’re buying, so you can buy with confidence.

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Our next show in Winnetka, Illinois, is just around the corner, November 4-6, 2016. This is our only fall show in the greater Chicago area (and probably our last show of the year). We always look forward to exhibiting there, especially to see all our friends and clients. Put it in your calendar. It’s a lovely show!

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.