Antique 1905 Dugan Venetian Amethyst Frit Iridescent Art Glass Ruffled Vase

Manufacturer: Dugan Glass Company (Indiana, PA)
Line/Pattern: Pompeian Venetian Assortment / Frit Finish
Base Glass Color: Deep Amethyst Purple
Treatment: Textured Metallic Frit with Radium Iridescence
Era: Antique Edwardian (Circa 1905–1906)

Rare, historically significant piece of early 20th-century American art glass: an antique Dugan vase from their highly collectible 1905–1906 "Pompeian Venetian" glass line. Thomas Dugan designed this artistic series specifically to emulate the prestigious, high-end Venetian Murano art glass of the Edwardian era.

This exceptional cabinet vase features a striking bulbous silhouette that tapers cleanly at the neck before expanding into a dramatic, fire-polished 6-point ruffled mouth.

The Venetian Frit Technique: The distinguishing feature of this rare line is the exquisite "frit" treatment. While the rich amethyst base glass was molten hot, it was rolled in crushed metallic glass fragments (frit) to fuse an intensely encrusted, rough-textured finish across the exterior. The piece was then sprayed with an iridescent finish, creating a breathtaking luster that flashes shades of copper bronze, amber gold, and violet. Because these were hand-shaped and hand-finished after being blown into a mold, every single frit vase features a unique texture and color distribution.