Rare Goodwill Vase Fetches Over $100K At Auction
A woman in Virginia found a rare and valuable Murano glass vase at her local Goodwill for just $3.99. The vase, designed by Italian architect Carlo Scarpa and produced by the renowned glass company Venini, was was later auctioned for a staggering $107,100.
By Richard Cole · December 20, 2023
For horse trainer Amanda Vincent, a casual trip to her local Goodwill in Richmond, VA turned into a life-changing discovery. Among the shelves filled with everyday items, she stumbled upon a mesmerizing vase that, unbeknownst to her, held a six-figure value within its elegant curves.
The piece, a vibrant swirl of colors in Murano glass, caught Vincent’s eye for its sheer beauty. Little did she know, it was a rare and exquisite creation by renowned Italian architect Carlo Scarpa, belonging to his celebrated Pennellate series from the 1940s. Produced by the esteemed glass company Venini, the vase embodied Scarpa’s unique technique of incorporating colored opaque glass during the blowing process, demanding exceptional skill and artistry.
Vincent, initially unaware of the treasure she held, shared photos of the vase online in glass art enthusiast groups. What followed was a revelation – this seemingly ordinary thrift store find had transformed into a collector’s dream.
On December 13th, the vase took center stage at the Wright Auction House, where its fate unfolded. In a long bidding war, it eventually landed in the hands of a discerning European collector, fetching an astonishing $107,100. The anonymous buyer recognized the vase’s rarity and historical significance, ensuring its place within a private collection.
Its value and uniqueness lay in its intricate crafting process, where colored glass was seamlessly incorporated into the molten form, demanding unmatched expertise from the artisan. Had it not been for Scarpa’s masterful technique and Vincent’s keen eye, this gem might have been lost to obscurity.
Laura Faison, spokesperson for Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia, noted, “Items move quickly through our stores. This vase might have been on the shelf for only a couple of days before Amanda found it.”
Adding to the fairytale-like narrative, the vase, nearly a century old, remains in pristine condition. Richard Wright, president of the Wright Auction House, emphasized the significance of this: “A small chip could have significantly reduced its value. In this pristine state, it attracted considerable interest and ultimately fetched this remarkable price.”
For Vincent, the windfall promises a brighter future. While she plans to invest a portion in essential home improvements for her recently acquired farmhouse, her long-term vision for the vase lies in a prestigious setting. “I hope it eventually finds a permanent home in a museum,” she shared, reflecting on the object’s historical and artistic significance.