Glass has always been a medium through which creativity and craftsmanship converge, resulting in objects that are both functional and beautiful. Among the many prestigious names in glassware production, the Cambridge Glass Company stands out, known for producing high-quality, exquisitely designed glass pieces. Among their treasures, one piece holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts: the Cambridge Glass Amber Keyhole Footed Trumpet Vase. This unique and elegant piece exemplifies the fine craftsmanship, innovative design, and enduring appeal of early 20th-century glasswork.
The Legacy of the Cambridge Glass Company
Founded in 1901 in Cambridge, Ohio, the Cambridge Glass Company quickly established itself as a leading producer of fine glassware in America. Over the next several decades, the company became synonymous with high-end glass products, often used in upscale homes and hotels, admired for their beauty and elegance. The company gained particular renown for its colored glass, producing a range of colors including the iconic amber, which became a favorite among collectors.
The 1920s and 1930s were especially prolific years for the Cambridge Glass Company, a time when the Art Deco movement influenced many design trends. During this period, the company created some of its most memorable and distinctive pieces. Among these is the Keyhole Footed Trumpet Vase, a perfect embodiment of the Art Deco style’s geometric lines, bold shapes, and functional beauty.
The Trumpet Vase: A Symbol of Art and Utility
Vases have always been cherished as decorative objects in homes, valued for their beauty as well as their functionality. The Cambridge Glass Amber Keyhole Footed Trumpet Vase stands as a quintessential example of how a vase can elevate a space while also serving as a practical item for displaying flowers.
The term “trumpet” refers to the vase’s shape, as it flares gracefully from a narrow base to a wide, open mouth, much like a trumpet’s bell. This design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, as it accommodates large floral arrangements, allowing flowers to spread out and fan gracefully. It is a shape that has endured for centuries in vase design, favored for its balance of form and function.
What sets the Cambridge Glass Trumpet Vase apart from other similar designs is its unique combination of features, particularly its “keyhole foot” and amber hue. These elements make the vase a true standout in any glassware collection.
The Keyhole Foot: A Unique Design Feature
One of the most striking aspects of this vase is its distinctive foot, shaped like a keyhole. This unusual base design adds both stability and visual interest to the piece. Unlike traditional vase bases, the keyhole foot is both wide and hollow, featuring a central cutout that gives it a light, airy appearance. This not only contributes to the vase’s overall balance and stability but also enhances its aesthetic appeal.
The keyhole foot design is a prime example of the ingenuity and creativity of the Cambridge Glass designers. While functional, the foot also serves as an artistic statement, combining simplicity with elegance. The design’s smooth lines and symmetry are quintessential elements of the Art Deco movement, which favored streamlined, geometric shapes that emphasized modernity and sophistication.
The Amber Color: Warmth and Elegance
Another feature that defines the Cambridge Glass Keyhole Footed Trumpet Vase is its amber color. Amber glass has long been prized for its warm, honey-like hue, which catches and reflects light in a way that adds depth and richness to any piece. This particular shade of amber was highly popular during the 1920s and 1930s, evoking the opulence and glamour of the era.
Amber glass is often associated with a sense of warmth and comfort, making it a favored choice for home décor. The color enhances the vase’s versatility, as it complements a wide range of interior design styles, from traditional to modern. Whether filled with vibrant blooms or displayed on its own as a decorative object, the amber hue adds a touch of elegance and refinement to any setting.
Cambridge Glass’s mastery of colored glass production is evident in this vase, where the amber shade is deep and consistent, creating a visual richness that is hard to match. The glass’s translucency allows light to pass through, giving the vase a luminous quality that changes with the surrounding environment, making it a dynamic and engaging piece to display.
Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail
The Cambridge Glass Amber Keyhole Footed Trumpet Vase is more than just a decorative object; it is a testament to the skill and artistry of the glassmakers who crafted it. Each vase was made with meticulous attention to detail, from the precise shaping of the trumpet body to the careful construction of the keyhole foot. The vase’s smooth, flawless surface and perfectly proportioned shape are hallmarks of Cambridge Glass’s commitment to quality.
The process of creating such a piece was complex and required a high level of craftsmanship. Glassmakers at Cambridge used traditional techniques, including hand-blowing and molding, to shape the glass before it was cut and polished. The result is a vase that is not only beautiful but also durable, with a timeless appeal that has allowed it to remain popular among collectors and decorators for nearly a century.
A Collector’s Item: The Value of the Cambridge Glass Amber Trumpet Vase
For collectors of antique and vintage glass, the Cambridge Glass Amber Keyhole Footed Trumpet Vase is a highly sought-after item. Its rarity, unique design features, and historical significance make it a prized addition to any collection of fine glassware.
Many collectors are drawn to the vase not only for its beauty but also for its connection to a bygone era of American craftsmanship. The vase represents a time when glass production was an art form, with companies like Cambridge Glass leading the way in innovation and design. Owning a piece like the Amber Trumpet Vase is a way of preserving this rich history and celebrating the artistry of early 20th-century glassmakers.
In terms of value, the vase’s desirability among collectors has only increased over time. Well-preserved examples of the Cambridge Glass Amber Trumpet Vase can fetch high prices at auctions and antique shops, particularly if they are in excellent condition and retain their original luster. As with many antique items, the value of the vase is influenced by factors such as rarity, condition, and demand among collectors.
Caring for Your Cambridge Glass Vase
For those fortunate enough to own a Cambridge Glass Amber Keyhole Footed Trumpet Vase, proper care, and maintenance are essential to preserving its beauty and value. Glass is a delicate material that can be prone to damage if not handled carefully, so it’s important to take steps to ensure the vase remains in pristine condition.
When cleaning the vase, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can scratch the surface or damage the glass’s finish. Instead, opt for a mild soap and warm water, using a soft cloth to gently clean the vase’s surface. If the vase has intricate details or hard-to-reach areas, a soft brush can be used to carefully remove any dirt or dust.
It’s also important to store the vase in a safe location where it won’t be at risk of tipping over or being damaged. If displaying the vase, choose a stable surface away from high-traffic areas where it might accidentally be knocked over. Proper care will help ensure that the vase remains a treasured piece for generations to come.
Conclusion
The Cambridge Glass Amber Keyhole Footed Trumpet Vase is a stunning example of early 20th-century glassware design. With its unique keyhole foot, elegant trumpet shape, and warm amber color, the vase captures the essence of the Art Deco period while showcasing the craftsmanship and innovation for which the Cambridge Glass Company was renowned.
As a collector’s item, the vase holds significant value, not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its historical importance. It represents a time when American glassmakers were at the forefront of design, creating pieces that were both functional and beautiful.
