Vintage 1950's Higgins Fused Glass Ashtray at Relique.com
Vintage 1950's fused glass ashtray from the renowned Higgins Glass studio, originally in Chicago, now in Riverside, IL. The Higgins Studio, home of “modern miracles with everyday glass” was founded in 1948 by Michael and Frances Higgins, who met at the Chicago Institute of Design. The Higgins' were pioneers in the rediscovery and refinement of the ancient art of glass fusing. Essentially, fusing is the creation of a “glass sandwich”. On one piece of enamel-coated glass, a design is created, either drawn with colored enamels, or pieced with glass segments. Over this, another piece of enameled glass is laid. Placed on a mold, the object is then heated. Under heat, the glass “slumps” to the shape of the mold.The design itself is fused between the outer glass pieces, with additional layers often adding to the texture and color complexity. This piece has one very minor nick underneath one corner. Otherwise mint condition. 22 karat gold leaf signature in lower left corner. 10"l x 7"w x 1"h.
