Vasa Murrhina: Mica-Flecked Victorian Art Glass

Vasa Murrhina is a type of Victorian-era art glass characterized by flecks of mica or metallic particles embedded within colored glass, creating a sparkling, lustrous effect. Produced primarily in the 1880s and 1890s by American and English glasshouses, the name derives from the ancient Roman "murrhine" vessels. The Vasa Murrhina Art Glass Company of Sandwich, Massachusetts (1884), patented the technique, but similar glass was produced by several manufacturers.

History & Production

Dr. Flower of Sandwich, Massachusetts, patented the Vasa Murrhina technique in 1884, establishing the Vasa Murrhina Art Glass Company. The process involved coating the glass gather with mica flakes or metallic particles (gold, silver, copper, nickel) before encasing them in a second layer of clear or colored glass. The result was a shimmering, multicolored effect. Similar spangle glass was produced by Hobbs, Brockunier & Co. of Wheeling, West Virginia, and several English firms including Stevens & Williams.

Identification & Characteristics

• Mica/Metallic Flecks: Visible particles of mica, gold, silver, or copper suspended within the glass wall
• Color Range: Rose, blue, amber, green, and cranberry, often with contrasting spangle colors
• Cased Construction: Typically two-layered, with the metallic particles sandwiched between layers
• Surface: Smooth exterior with visible sparkle from embedded particles
• Weight: Heavier than single-layer glass due to the double-walled construction
• Related Types: Spangle glass, spatter glass, and aventurine glass use similar but distinct techniques

Auction Price Ranges

Condition Factors

• Sparkle quality: Pieces with dense, evenly distributed metallic particles are most desirable
• Color vibrancy: Rich, saturated base colors with contrasting sparkle bring premiums
• Chips and cracks: Glass damage is particularly visible on art glass and significantly reduces value
• Layer integrity: Separation between the inner and outer glass layers (delamination) is a defect
• Attribution: Pieces attributable to specific makers command higher prices
• Form: Unusual shapes and larger sizes are more valuable than common forms

Collecting Tips

• True Vasa Murrhina (with the embedded mica/metallic flakes) should be distinguished from similar spangle glass
• The Vasa Murrhina Art Glass Company operated only briefly; authenticated pieces from this firm are rare
• Hobbs, Brockunier spangle glass is the most commonly encountered type in this category
• Look for pieces with especially dramatic contrast between base color and metallic particles
• Silver mica flecks on cranberry or rose glass create the most sought-after color combinations
• Combine with other Victorian art glass types (Peachblow, Burmese, Amberina) for a comprehensive collection
• Examine pieces under bright light to fully appreciate the metallic effects