Blue Pressed Glass Bowl, UV-Reactive, Manganese Glass, 1960s

Offered is a substantial mid-20th-century blue art glass bowl, produced in thick pressed glass and distinguished by its refined proportions, exceptional weight, and luminous color. The bowl presents a broad, open mouth with gently flared walls, rising from a stepped circular foot that provides both visual lift and structural balance. The glass displays a nuanced blue tonality, deepening toward the base and softening toward the rim. Close examination reveals controlled mold flow and clean pressing, confirming molded manufacture rather than free-blown production. The surface clarity is high, with uncontrolled air bubbles visible in macro views—an inherent feature of decorative glassmaking rather than a defect—adding depth and evidence of material movement during forming. Under 365 nm ultraviolet light, the bowl emits a striking cool blue fluorescence, as documented in the final image. This response is consistent with manganese-bearing soda-lime glass incorporating modern refining additives, commonly employed in mid-century glass production. The fluorescence is material-based and integral to the glass rather than surface treatment. No reaction is observed under short-wave UV. The scale, weight, and restrained form place this piece firmly within the mid-century decorative art glass tradition, where sculptural presence and material quality were prioritized over overt ornamentation. The bowl functions equally as a utilitarian centerpiece or as a stand-alone display object, particularly effective when exhibited with directional or back lighting. ⸻ Measurements • Height: 5 3/4 inches • Diameter at mouth: 10 inches • Weight: 5.3 lbs ⸻ Condition Excellent vintage condition. • No chips, cracks, or scratches • No repairs • Presence of inherent air bubbles, visible in close-up photography and consistent with the manufacturing process Please review all images carefully, including macro details. ⸻ Date & Attribution Mid-20th century, circa 1960s. Dating is supported by manufacturing technique, form, glass chemistry, UV response, and overall refinement consistent with decorative pressed glass production of the period. No maker’s mark is present; the bowl is offered unattributed, in keeping with responsible cataloguing standards. ⸻ Material & UV Disclosure Pressed soda-lime glass with manganese content and modern refining agents, exhibiting blue fluorescence under 365 nm UV light. No uranium content indicated. ⸻ Decor / Collection Context Mid-Century Decorative Art Glass · Sculptural Glass · Organic Modernism ⸻ mid century glass bowl, blue art glass, UV reactive glass, manganese glass, pressed glass bowl, sculptural glass, decorative art glass, collectible glass bowl, 1960s glass, heavy glass bowl, modernist decorative glass, exhibition glass, statement glass object, refined pressed glass, organic modern decor, blue glass centerpiece, museum style glass, mid century decorative object, glowing glass bowl, design glass