Hand-Blown Glass Bud Vase with Acid-Etched Motif & Solid Brass Base, c. 1920s–1940s
Viridian Eclection
The Piece
Hand-Blown Glass Bud Vase with Acid-Etched Decoration
Europe or North America, circa 1920s–1940s
A refined early-to-mid 20th-century hand-blown glass bud vase distinguished by true acid-etched decoration and a solid brass base. The clear glass body features a gently flared, ruffled rim and a softly swollen lower chamber, balanced by an etched botanical motif that wraps the neck with understated precision.
The brass base is not plated. It is solid, weight-bearing brass, recently cleaned to remove surface oxidation while intentionally preserving depth and warmth in the metal’s tone. The result is a piece that feels composed rather than shiny, with material honesty intact.
Materials & Technique
This vase combines multiple skilled processes:
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Hand-blown glass with natural variation in thickness and contour
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True acid etching, not wheel engraving or surface frosting
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Solid brass base, originally developed with green oxidation over time
Acid etching produces a softer, integrated line than mechanical engraving, allowing the etched leaf motif to appear embedded within the glass rather than sitting on its surface. This technique was favored in the interwar period for decorative glass intended to feel elevated without overt ornament.
Restoration & Condition
The brass base exhibited natural green oxidation consistent with age and was professionally cleaned, stabilizing the surface without stripping the metal or polishing away character.
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Brass now shows warm copper-gold tones with subtle depth
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Glass is clear and bright with no chips or cracks observed
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Etching remains crisp and legible
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Rim retains its organic hand-formed waviness
Overall condition is very good vintage, with age reflected through material presence rather than damage.
Product Details
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Object | Bud vase / candleholder |
| Date | Circa 1920s–1940s |
| Origin | Europe or North America |
| Material | Hand-blown glass; solid brass base |
| Decoration | Genuine acid-etched botanical motif |
| Technique | Hand-formed glass with applied brass collar |
| Finish | Brass cleaned of oxidation; patina preserved |
| Condition | Very good vintage condition; no chips or cracks observed |
Why It Belongs in Your Home
This piece works best where subtle material contrast matters. Clear glass against warm brass, etched softness against structural weight. It functions equally well as a single-stem bud vase, a small candleholder, or a shelf object layered among ceramics and books.
It doesn’t shout period. It suggests it.
From Viridian Eclection
We value material truth over surface shine. This vase stood out for its real brass construction and authentic acid etching, both increasingly rare in small decorative objects of this scale. Cleaned carefully and left honest, it carries its age with restraint and purpose.
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Visit the Eclection on Tuesdays, 10 am to 4 pm.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
