Lush "pools" of color—emerald, jade, forest green and turquoise—dapple and slide-down the walls of this Brush-McCoy vase from the 1920's. The company called this glaze treatment "Onyx" and it was produced in various shades of reddish-browns and bluish-greens. The name, Onyx, is apt. Like the namesake gemstone, each piece is a unique and random (mostly uncontrolled) blend of colors. No two pieces are the same. The piece above really presents the rich and complex coloration and depth of the polished gemstone. The process involves multiple applied glazes which "activate" during the firing process, running, blending and creating new and unplanned color effects.
The Onyx glaze was first developed in 1910. Over the next two decades, the glaze was modified as new colorways were added or when WWI restricted the availability of certain materials, like tin. But identifying the different "glaze periods" is inherently difficult because the glazing technique relied so much upon handwork—which varied from artisan to artisan. Add to that the "magic" occurring in the kiln, and the opportunity for subtle variation expands greatly.
This piece was made some time in the 1920's. It has a beautiful glaze in wonderful colors. Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248