A very rare and unusual Thomas Webb and Sons cameo glass 'tusk' vase, circa 1885
in the Oriental manner, of gently curved tapering cylindrical form on a stepped base, the heavy glass delicately shaded with brown stain to imitate the appearance of old ivory, delicately carved with scrolling plants and flowers including hibiscus, chrysanthemums and grasses within geometric borders, etched THOMAS WEBB & SONS mark, 19.2cm high
Footnotes:
The design appears in the Ivory glass pattern book as number I290. The price archive lists this as a 7 1/2in vase with individual costs as 18/- for making, 18/6d for etching and 4/6d for painting. The vase sold for 50/-, representing a relatively small profit of 9 shillings. See Ray and Lee Grover, English Cameo Glass (1980), pp.227 and 419, no.S421. The original drawing is reproduced in A Facsimile of Thomas Webb & Sons' Pattern Books Principally for Cameo Glass by the Woodall Team (2000), published by Richard Dennis, p.45.

In good condition with no damage. There is a small area of roughness to the rim edge approximately 2cm x 0.7cm in size which may have occurred during manufacture and is of no real significance. There is typical wear underneath the footrim as expected where this heavy vase has been standing.