The Third Piece is the First Piece

In my book, Objects of Desire, the Art of Frederick Carder, in the first chapter I identify my first and favorite piece of Carder Steuben. That piece some 15 years ago, in 1999, inspired me on to my Carder collecting quest. And, what a ride that has been.

However, some six years earlier, in 1993, I really collected my first piece of Steuben. It’s just that I didn’t know what I had. I walked into an antique shop in Racine, Wisconsin, and saw the following classic looking footed vase. When I saw it I was thunderstruck. I had to have it. While it wasn’t that expensive, it was more than I had ever paid for a piece of glass. I bought it. It didn’t have any markings on the bottom or elsewhere. I just knew I loved it and had to have it.

It then took some five more years before I was in Racine again. I so enjoyed the alabaster vase I acquired that I made a point of going back to the same antique store. This time I noted another piece of art glass that spoke to me.

However, this time underneath the piece was a copy of a page from the Gardner book line drawings identifying this as a Steuben pitcher. Now, I knew the maker of pitcher I was about to buy, although nothing more.

It would be a year or so later before I acquired what I’ve called my “first piece” of Steuben (the Gold Aurene Bowl) and then the Gardner book. Wow! Once I acquired the Gardner book, there in the line drawings was my alabaster with black decoration vase. Yes, I now knew that was Steuben too. Then, I found that I owned three pieces of Carder Steuben.

The Third Piece is the First Piece

In my book, Objects of Desire, the Art of Frederick Carder, in the first chapter I identify my first and favorite piece of Carder Steuben. That piece some 15 years ago, in 1999, inspired me on to my Carder collecting quest. And, what a ride that has been.

(clickable image)
Gold Aurene Centerpece Bowl
5 1/2 inches high
Shape #2851
However, some six years earlier, in 1993, I really collected my first piece of Steuben. It’s just that I didn’t know what I had. I walked into an antique shop in Racine, Wisconsin, and saw the following classic looking footed vase. When I saw it I was thunderstruck. I had to have it. While it wasn’t that expensive, it was more than I had ever paid for a piece of glass. I bought it. It didn’t have any markings on the bottom or elsewhere. I just knew I loved it and had to have it.

(clickable image)
Alabaster vase with Mirrow Black applied decoration i
11.75″ high
Shape #7468
It then took some five more years before I was in Racine again. I so enjoyed the alabaster vase I acquired that I made a point of going back to the same antique store. This time I noted another piece of art glass that spoke to me.

However, this time underneath the piece was a copy of a page from the Gardner book line drawings identifying this as a Steuben pitcher. Now, I knew the maker of pitcher I was about to buy, although nothing more.

It would be a year or so later before I acquired what I’ve called my “first piece” of Steuben (the Gold Aurene Bowl) and then the Gardner book. Wow! Once I acquired the Gardner book, there in the line drawings was my alabaster with black decoration vase. Yes, I now knew that was Steuben too. Then, I found that I owned three pieces of Carder Steuben.

(clickable image)
Verre De Soie Pitcher with Iridized Black Reeding
9 1/4 inches high
Shape #7199

Without realizing it all three pieces had something in common. The artistry of Frederick Carder. I don’t know how to describe what is art. However, I do know that when I walk through an antique show the Carder designed and created pieces just pop out. For the most part the works of Frederick Carder are an artistic form that speak to me by themselves and for the artist, FC.

Alan Shovers,
Evansville, Indiana