Paul Manning Signed Studio Glass Vase, Etched Stick Figure, 1973

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Description

A rare early studio glass vase by Paul Manning, etched with a whimsical stick figure and the year ’73 on … Read more A rare early studio glass vase by Paul Manning, etched with a whimsical stick figure and the year ’73 on its base. This spherical sculpture showcases Manning’s mastery of clarity and form, with internal swirls that evoke fluid motion and organic elegance. The etched figure adds a playful, personal touch — possibly an artist’s mark or symbolic motif from Manning’s formative period.

- Artist: Paul Manning (signed, etched stick figure and ’73)
- Medium: Hand-blown clear glass with internal sculptural patterning
- Style: Studio Glass / Modernist
- Condition: Excellent vintage condition; etched base detail intact
iA compelling piece for collectors of American studio glass and modernist design. Its etched figure makes it a conversation starter and a distinctive addition to any curated collection.

Paul Manners (American, b. 1946)

Paul Manners is an American studio‑glass artist born in 1946, recognized for his sculptural, hand‑blown glass forms that explore light, color, and prismatic structure. His work appears regularly at auction and in private collections, with documented sales spanning early experimental pieces from the 1970s through later, more architectural glass sculptures1.

Manners’ practice is rooted in the American Studio Glass movement, a period when artists began treating glass as a medium for individual expression rather than industrial production. His early works—often signed and dated—show a fascination with organic forms, internal patterning, and occasional figurative or etched motifs, aligning with the experimental spirit of the era. Later works evolve into more faceted, tower‑like constructions with layered internal coloration, several of which have appeared in auction records from 2021–20232.

Collectors value Manners for his distinctive blend of modernist abstraction and technical control. His pieces have sold across a wide range, from modest early works to more complex sculptures achieving prices up to $2,000 at auction, reflecting growing interest in mid‑century and late‑20th‑century studio glass See less