Vasart: Scottish Art Glass from Perth

Vasart Glass was produced in Perth, Scotland, from 1946 to 1964, by Salvador Ysart and his sons. The Ysart family, originally from Barcelona, Spain, were master glassblowers who had previously worked at the Moncrieff glassworks in Perth producing Monart glass. Vasart glass is characterized by its swirling colors, distinctive shapes, and the family's exceptional glassblowing skill. It is closely related to Monart glass and preceded the later Strathearn and Perthshire paperweight companies.

History & the Ysart Family

Salvador Ysart emigrated from Spain to France and then Scotland, joining Moncrieff's North British Glassworks in Perth around 1922. There, he and his sons (Paul, Augustine, Vincent, and Antoine) created the celebrated Monart glass line. After leaving Moncrieff in 1946, Salvador and sons Vincent and Augustine established Vasart Glass. Paul Ysart, the most famous family member, stayed at Moncrieff before later founding Perthshire Paperweights. Vasart was acquired by Stuart & Sons in 1964 and briefly renamed Strathearn Glass.

Identification & Marks

• Paper Labels: Original "VASART" paper labels, often lost over time
• Shapes: Distinctive hat-shaped vases, basket forms, and organic shapes
• Colors: Characteristic color combinations including pink/green, blue/green, amber/gold swirls
• Pontil: Ground and polished pontil marks on the base
• Technique: Free-blown with characteristic swirling color patterns (clutha-like effects)
• Comparison: Distinguished from Monart by generally simpler forms and different color palettes

Auction Price Ranges

Condition Factors

• Chips and scratches: Surface damage reduces value on art glass; examine rims and bases carefully
• Color quality: Rich, well-blended color swirls indicate quality work
• Labels: Pieces retaining original Vasart paper labels command significant premiums
• Form: Well-proportioned, symmetrical shapes are preferred
• Size: Larger pieces are less common and more valuable
• Pontil: Clean, well-finished pontil marks indicate careful production

Collecting Tips

• Vasart is often undervalued compared to the closely related Monart glass
• Paper labels are the most reliable identification method; unlabeled pieces can be difficult to distinguish from Monart or Strathearn
• The Ysart family connection makes Vasart part of a broader collecting theme encompassing Monart, Strathearn, and Perthshire
• Pink and green swirl combinations are among the most recognizable Vasart colorways
• Scottish glass collecting has a dedicated following, particularly in the UK
• Compare Vasart pieces side-by-side with Monart to appreciate the distinct color palettes
• Paul Ysart's paperweights are the most valuable Ysart family pieces, but Vasart vessels have their own devoted collectors