Agata Glass: New England Glass Company's Rare Art Glass
What Is Agata Glass?
Agata glass is a rare American art glass produced exclusively by the New England Glass Company of Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1887. Patented by Joseph Locke on January 18, 1887, Agata features a distinctive mottled, oil-spot surface decoration applied over a Wild Rose (Peachblow) body that shades from deep rose at the top to creamy white at the base. The mottled finish resembles the mineral agate, giving the glass its name.
Production lasted less than one year, making Agata one of the rarest and most sought-after types of American art glass. Every authentic piece was made during this brief window, and the total surviving inventory is quite small.
Identifying Authentic Agata
Distinctive Characteristics
- Base color is Wild Rose Peachblow, shading from deep raspberry or rose-pink to opaque white
- Surface mottling appears as random splotches of dark mineral-like staining in blue-purple, brown, and gold tones
- Matte or glossy finish - Both exist; matte-finished examples are considered more desirable
- Thin, lightweight body consistent with New England Glass Company quality
- No factory marks - Pieces are identified by color, mottling, and form only
Common Forms
Agata was produced in a limited range of forms:
- Tumblers (the most frequently encountered form)
- Finger bowls
- Pitchers and creamers
- Vases in various heights
- Toothpick holders
- Spooners
- Celery vases
Distinguishing from Similar Glass
- Wild Rose Peachblow has the same base color but lacks the mottled surface treatment
- Reproductions lack the subtle, organic quality of the original mottling pattern
- Genuine mottling was achieved through a mineral oil and metallic stain process that creates irregular, naturalistic patterning impossible to replicate exactly
Auction Prices and Market Values
| Form | Typical Range | Exceptional Pieces |
|---|---|---|
| Tumbler | $800-$2,000 | $4,000+ |
| Toothpick holder | $1,000-$2,500 | $5,000+ |
| Finger bowl | $600-$1,500 | $3,000+ |
| Creamer or pitcher | $1,500-$4,000 | $8,000+ |
| Vase (small) | $1,200-$3,500 | $7,000+ |
| Vase (large, 8"+) | $3,000-$8,000 | $15,000+ |
| Celery vase | $2,000-$5,000 | $10,000+ |
Agata has maintained strong values over decades. The rarity of the ware and its visual appeal ensure steady demand. Exceptional examples with strong, even mottling and vivid color transitions command the highest prices.
Condition Factors That Affect Value
- Mottling intensity is the primary value driver; strong, well-distributed mottling commands premiums
- Color saturation in the Peachblow base matters; washed-out examples bring 30-50% less
- Chips and cracks reduce value substantially (50-70%) given the rarity and collector-grade nature of the ware
- Surface wear to the matte finish diminishes the distinctive texture
- Interior staining from use is common in tumblers and bowls; mild staining is tolerated
Collecting Tips
Entry Points
There are no truly inexpensive Agata pieces due to extreme rarity. Finger bowls and tumblers occasionally appear under $1,000 at auction, representing the most accessible entry point.
Building a Collection
- Form variety is the typical approach, as assembling multiple examples of different shapes demonstrates the range of the ware
- Mottling quality varies significantly piece to piece; experienced collectors prioritize rich, well-defined mottling
- Comparison pieces - Collecting Wild Rose Peachblow alongside Agata illustrates the decorative technique
Authentication
- Always buy from dealers or auction houses with American art glass expertise
- Handle as many confirmed examples as possible to develop a feel for the weight, color, and mottling quality
- Museum collections at the Corning Museum of Glass and the Chrysler Museum provide excellent study examples
- Published references: Albert C. Revi's American Art Glass remains the standard text