What is the estimated value of this Bohemian Art Nouveau vase?

This Bohemian Art Nouveau iridescent glass vase, dating from circa 1900-1905 and attributed to Pallme-König & Habel or Wilhelm Kralik Söhne, has an estimated market value of £100-£200. This valuation reflects its fair condition, specifically a significant structural crack on the base, which reduces its value by an estimated 50-70% compared to an intact example. The estimate is based on market analysis of similar period pieces.

What era/period is this iridescent glass vase from?

This iridescent glass vase is from the Art Nouveau period, specifically circa 1900-1905. The Art Nouveau movement, popular from 1890-1910, emphasized organic forms, natural motifs, and innovative craftsmanship. Bohemian glassmakers, including Pallme-König & Habel and Wilhelm Kralik Söhne, were renowned for their distinctive iridescent glass with applied threading during this era.

What condition is this Art Nouveau glass item in?

The vase is in fair condition. While its iridescent lustre and applied decoration remain vibrant and intact on the upper body, its value is substantially diminished by a prominent structural crack, approximately 3-4 cm long, on the base. This major flaw significantly impacts its integrity and market desirability, reducing its value compared to an undamaged piece.

Where should I sell this Bohemian Art Nouveau vase?

For an item valued at £100-£200, specialist online platforms like eBay UK or Catawiki are recommended. These platforms offer broad reach to collectors of Art Nouveau decorative arts and have lower seller commissions than traditional auction houses. Alternatively, a direct sale to a specialist dealer like Hill House Antiques & Decorative Arts could provide a quicker, more convenient option.

Is this Bohemian iridescent glass vase authentic?

Yes, there is high confidence in its authenticity as a period piece. The vase exhibits hand-blown construction, a rough pontil mark, period-appropriate iridescent fuming techniques, and genuine age-related wear on the base. These characteristics are consistent with early 20th-century Bohemian Art Nouveau glass production.

What are the key features of this Pallme-König or Kralik attributed vase?

This vase features a hand-blown form with a ruffled rim and lobed base. Its surface boasts a vibrant iridescent lustre transitioning from cranberry red at the top to golden olive-green at the base. It is distinctively decorated with an applied network of dark red glass trails, forming a web-like pattern, characteristic of Bohemian Art Nouveau glass from the early 1900s.

Bohemian Art Nouveau Threaded Iridescent Glass Vase, Attributed to Pallme-König & Habel or Wilhelm Kralik Söhne, circa 1900-1905

Estimated value: £100 - £200. Bohemian Art Nouveau Threaded Iridescent Glass Vase, Attributed to Pallme-König & Habel or Wilhelm Kralik Söhne, circa 1900-1905 (Art Nouveau, circa 1900-1905) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Decorative Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This vase is a characteristic example of Bohemian Art Nouveau glass, produced around 1900-1905. The Art Nouveau movement celebrated organic forms and technical innovation, and glassmakers in the Bohemian region (now the Czech Republic) were at the forefront of this trend. Firms like Pallme-König & Habel and Wilhelm Kralik Söhne became famous for their iridescent glass, inspired by ancient Roman glass and the work of contemporaries like Louis Comfort Tiffany. They developed a signature style involving vibrant, lustrous surfaces decorated with applied trails of molten glass, creating dynamic, textured patterns like the 'webbed' design seen here. These pieces were typically unsigned, intended for export, which often makes definitive attribution to a specific workshop challenging. Both Pallme-König and Kralik are credited with producing this style, and their work is highly sought after by collectors of Jugendstil and Art Nouveau decorative arts. The value of such pieces is determined by the quality of the iridescence, the complexity of the applied decoration, the form, and, critically, the condition. While this vase is a visually striking example of the type, its market value is severely compromised by a structural crack in the base.

How the value was reached

The valuation is based on an analysis of the market for Bohemian Art Nouveau glass, heavily adjusted for the item's condition. Comparable examples in good condition are listed or have sold in a range of approximately £160 to £375. However, the significant structural crack on the base of this vase reduces its value by an estimated 50-70%. Therefore, it is considered primarily of decorative or study value. The estimate of £100 - £200 reflects this substantial damage. We would recommend a reserve price of £80. After auction house fees (typically 10-15% seller's commission), the net proceeds to the seller would be approximately £70 - £170.

Comparable sales

A rare colour Pallme-König & Habel Bohemian Art Nouveau glass vase, produced between 1900-1903. Described as purple and lilac iridescent glass, netted with iridescent grey threads. Stated to be in very good condition with no cracks or repairs. — sold for £375.00 (eBay UK), current listing
Pallme-König Art Nouveau Vase - Iridescent Glass ca. 1900. Features hot glass trails wound around the iridized glass. Described as a rare gem sought by collectors. Height 12.8 cm. — sold for £330.23 (Retro Antik Örsjö), current listing
A large 5" Pallme-König & Habel Squat 6 Lobed Pumpkin vase with applied thread/vein network on iridized glass, circa 1900. Noted to have several flakes around the rim. — sold for £162.88 (eBay UK), current listing

Expert notes

The valuation of this vase is significantly limited by a major structural crack in the base. While the piece is an authentic and aesthetically pleasing example of Art Nouveau glass, this damage severely impacts its desirability and market value. Furthermore, there is uncertainty in attributing the work definitively to either Pallme-König or Kralik, though both are desirable makers. Before offering for sale, we recommend a physical examination by a glass specialist to assess the stability of the crack and to potentially refine the attribution based on the pontil mark.

This report is one of the worked examples in our guide What is your glass worth, and why?.