Rubina Verde: Shaded Art Glass in Red and Green
Rubina Verde is a type of shaded art glass featuring a gradual transition from ruby red or cranberry at the top to yellow-green (verde) at the base. Produced primarily during the 1880s and 1890s, this distinctive coloring was achieved by reheating portions of glass containing gold oxide. The technique created one of the most visually striking color combinations in Victorian-era glassware.
History and Manufacturers
The Rubina Verde technique originated in European glasshouses, particularly in Bohemia, before being adopted by American makers. Key producers include:
- Hobbs, Brockunier & Co. (Wheeling, West Virginia) — the most prolific American maker
- Mt. Washington Glass Company — produced high-end examples
- Bohemian glasshouses — early European production, often with elaborate cutting
- Stevens & Williams (Stourbridge, England) — English examples with applied decoration
The peak production period was approximately 1885-1900, after which the style fell out of fashion.
Identification
Authentic Rubina Verde exhibits several key characteristics:
- Color gradient: True red-to-green shading, not painted or stained
- Gold content: The red portion contains colloidal gold, giving depth and warmth
- Weight: Quality examples have substantial weight for their size
- Pontil marks: Earlier pieces may show polished pontil marks on the base
- Mold lines: Many American pieces were mold-blown, showing faint seam lines
Distinguish from Rubina (red-to-clear shading) and Amberina (red-to-amber). The green tint in the lower portion is the defining feature of Rubina Verde.
Types and Forms
| Form | Description | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Cruet with stopper | Most commonly found form | $150 - $400 |
| Tumbler | Inverted thumbprint or hobnail patterns | $75 - $200 |
| Pitcher | Water or lemonade size | $250 - $600 |
| Vase | Various heights, sometimes ruffled rim | $100 - $350 |
| Sugar shaker | Metal-topped examples | $200 - $450 |
| Finger bowl | Often with matching underplate | $80 - $175 |
| Celery vase | Tall, cylindrical form | $150 - $350 |
| Epergne | Multi-trumpet centerpieces, rare | $800 - $2,500 |
Condition Factors
- Color intensity: Strong, vivid red-to-green transition commands premium prices
- Chips and flakes: Even minor rim chips reduce value by 40-60%
- Original fittings: Cruets and sugar shakers with original metal tops are worth significantly more
- Pattern clarity: Inverted thumbprint and hobnail patterns should be crisp and well-defined
- Surface wear: Excessive scratching from use diminishes appeal to collectors
Collecting Tips
- Hobbs, Brockunier pieces with the inverted thumbprint pattern are considered the gold standard and hold value well
- Beware of modern reproductions, particularly from Fenton and imported Czech pieces — these tend to have thinner glass and less nuanced color gradients
- Cruets are the most collected form; complete examples with original faceted stoppers bring the strongest prices
- Bohemian cut-glass examples with elaborate engraving can exceed $1,000 and appeal to both glass and European decorative arts collectors
- Pieces with applied decoration (rigaree, threading, or applied fruit) are rarer and more desirable than plain examples
- The market for Victorian art glass has been stable, with exceptional examples continuing to appreciate