Kew Blas: Iridescent Art Glass by Union Glass Company
Kew Blas is an iridescent art glass produced by the Union Glass Company of Somerville, Massachusetts, from approximately 1893 to 1924. Created to compete with Tiffany's Favrile glass and Steuben's Aurene, Kew Blas features a distinctive gold iridescent surface often decorated with pulled feather, zipper, or King Tut coil patterns. The name "Kew Blas" is an anagram of the name W.S. Blake, the company's superintendent. Though less well-known than Tiffany or Steuben, Kew Blas represents high-quality American art glass.
Identification
- Signature: Pieces are typically signed "KEW BLAS" on the pontil or base, sometimes difficult to read due to iridescence
- Glass Quality: Thin-walled, lightweight, with a smooth, satiny iridescent finish
- Colors: Predominantly gold iridescence; some pieces in green or blue iridescence
- Patterns: Pulled feather patterns (green or gold on iridescent ground), King Tut coil designs, and plain iridescent surfaces
- Forms: Vases, compotes, finger bowls, tumblers, candlesticks, and lamp shades
Types & Decoration
- Plain Iridescent: Gold or green overall iridescent surface without pattern -- the most common type
- Pulled Feather: Green or gold feather designs pulled through contrasting iridescent ground
- King Tut: Coiled or swirled pattern resembling ancient Egyptian motifs
- Zipper Pattern: Tight, parallel pulled lines creating a ribbed effect
- Decorated Shades: Lamp shades with various pulled patterns for gas and electric fixtures
Auction Price Ranges
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Plain iridescent tumblers/finger bowls | $100 - $350 |
| Plain iridescent vases, small | $200 - $600 |
| Pulled feather vases | $400 - $1,500 |
| King Tut pattern vases | $500 - $2,000 |
| Decorated lamp shades | $200 - $800 |
| Compotes and centerpieces | $300 - $1,200 |
| Large or exceptional decorated vases | $1,000 - $4,000 |
| Rare forms or colors | $800 - $3,500 |
Condition Factors
Iridescent surface should be strong and even -- weak or patchy iridescence significantly reduces appeal. Scratches to the iridescent surface are difficult to repair and diminish value. Chips to rims can sometimes be polished down on simple forms but reduce value by 30-40%. Internal staining or cloudiness detracts from the luminous quality that defines the glass. Lamp shades should be checked for heat cracks and proper fitter size.
Collecting Tips
Kew Blas offers excellent value compared to equivalent Tiffany Favrile pieces, often selling at one-quarter to one-third the price for comparable quality. Pulled feather and King Tut patterns are the most desirable decorative types. The signature can be faint, so careful examination under good light is essential. Compare with Quezal (also a Tiffany competitor from Brooklyn) and Durand (Vineland, NJ) for similar American iridescent art glass alternatives. Unsigned pieces may be misidentified, so familiarity with the characteristic glass quality and color palette is valuable.