Signed Michael Harris Isle of Wight Azurene Blue Fish Sculpture c1986

Description

Heading : Azurene blue ‘Fish’ Sculpture by Michael Harris
Date : c1986
Origin : Isle of Wight
Bowl Features : Azurene blue cased in clear with gold leaf and silver.
Marks : Signed Michael Harris England 43/500 – Isle of Wight label
Type : Lead
Size : 20.4cm height. 20cm width
Condition : Excellent. no chips or cracks
Restoration : None
Weight : 1345 grams

Additional Information :

The Fish vase. or sculputre. is Michael Harris’ hallmark form. and also his rares. and most desirable and prized. Developed from 1967-69 at the Royal College of Art and then Mdina Glass. he continued to make it at Isle of Wight Studio Glass.There. the form was reintroduced in 1982 as part of the Azurene range.

At Mdina (from 1968-72) and at Isle of Wight Studio Glass until his death in 1994. only Michael was skilled and experienced enough to make Fish. meaning that he made them all. This example is extremely scarce as it is also signed by him. Michael did not like to sign his work.

The ‘limited edition’ number on the base indicates that this piece was produced as part of a numbered range commissioned in the mid-1980s for American stores J. C. Penney and Saks 5th Avenue. Due to their cost. Fish were the rarest form produced for this order – fewer than 14 are thought to be produced. Numbered 43. this was an early piece produced from the estimated 250-275 pieces made across all shapes and ranges for the order.

Fish were quite exclusive and were orignally only made as part of the production range at Isle of Wight Studio Glass from 1985-87. From 1982-84 and from 1988-94. they were only available as a special order. This 20cm high Fish was only produced from 1985-86. tying in with the American order. This is an extremely rare and visually stunning example of a hotly sought-after form.