Archive for August, 2019

Inventive repairs at The Corning Museum of Glass

Sunday, August 18th, 2019

I never know what I’ll stumble upon when I step into a museum for the first time. I certainly had no idea I would find so many fine examples of incredible glassware with early repairs on view at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY, home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of glass. Although some of the descriptions made mention of the repairs, most did not, so I am pleased to bring these unsung heroes to the forefront.

Here are some highlights I found in the 35 Centuries of Glass Galleries and the Study Gallery. This was such an overwhelming feast for the eyes that I look forward to going back seeing some of my favorites pieces again. I will post more examples at a later date.

Mocha ware mug with marbled decoration, c.1800

Sunday, August 11th, 2019

This unusual mocha ware mug with slip marbled decoration against a banded background of brown and yellow slip is the 4th piece I bought at auction from the collection of Jonathan Rickard, renowned mocha ware expert and author of Mocha and Related Dipped Wares, 1770-1939. Says Jonathan: “The very rough mug that defies categorization was found at the Connecticut Spring Antiques Show…about three years ago.” It stands 5 inches high and was made in England, c.1800.

It was not unusual for damaged mugs such as this to be resurrected by local tinsmiths. This one boasts a simple metal replacement handle and two horizontal bands. Thank you Jonathan for your devotion, thorough research, and love of all things mocha.