The quality of the glaze on a Van Briggle vase is often one of the most important factors collectors consider when evaluating an example of the pottery. Artus Van Briggle was recognized for his creation of the "dead matte glaze". The achievement of this visually impressive, high quality "dead matte glaze’ was somewhat of a rarity even while Artus Van Briggle was alive. Hence, when a high quality, dead matte glazed example of Van Briggle comes to market it typically achieves prices well beyond those of an average glazed vase.
Most examples of early Van Briggle (1920s and earlier) are semi-matte. Vases were also produced in semi-gloss or gloss glazes but these examples are few and far between. The earlier period of Van Briggle (1901-1912) also produced highly desirable suspended, crystalline glazes and vases with mottled and curdled effects. Any of these uncommon glaze effects will often have a substantial impact on the value and desirability of an example of Van Briggle pottery.
Next time we will look at Van Briggle colors and color combinations.
