RARE Hawkes "Festoon" Bowl

FSG2595

Condition: BTEF

Price: $975.00

Description:

This 9 1/4-inch diameter by 3 3/4-inch tall bowl was cut by T.G. Hawkes & Co. of Corning, NY in their patented "Festoon" design.  "Festoon" is a rare and delightful design that Pearson rated 2 for rarity (very rare) and 2 for quality/price range (one of the most desirable).

Page 201 of J. Michael Pearson's Encyclopedia of American Cut & Engraved Glass, Vol. III shows an 8-inch bowl and the patent drawing for the "Festoon" design.  Pearson states:  "This design named "Festoon" in his patent papers, #26731 by Thomas G. Hawkes, was patented March 9, 1897.  Basically, the central figure is an 8-point figure of two squares with large 24-point hobstar rosettes between the points."  The patent drawing clearly shows eight, 24-point hobstars, the Hawkes 'u' feature, a fine miter outline around the points of the central cluster of hobstars and does not have nine rayed fans around the central cluster of hobstars.  Hawkes did produce "Festoon" with and without the fine miter outline and the fans and he used both 20 and 24-point hobstars in the design.  An oval low bowl in "Festoon" in our personal collection is signed; this bowl is unsigned.

This fine piece is deeply-cut and entirely wheel-polished on a clear, colorless blank that weighs 4.75-lbs.  It is a rare and delightful example of the early work of one of the best cutting houses of the American Brilliant Period.