Thrifting to riches. Woman's $4 vase find turns out to be an Italian masterpiece worth $107K
Jessica Vincent was a regular visitor to antique shops. She was well aware that one could uncover unexpected treasures there. However, even she was taken aback when a few dollars brought home an item of high value.
Vincent's attention was captured by the multicolored vase boasting an intricate pattern. Upon spotting a small "M" inscribed at the base, Vincent speculated it could be a product of Murano—the Italian island near Venice celebrated for its glass production. "I thought it could be worth 1000 or 2000 dollars," Vincent admitted.
Vincent decided to buy the vase that was priced at $3.99. Upon reaching home, she posted a photograph of her purchase online—an action she would soon be grateful for. One user suggested that the vase's design was reminiscent of the work of Carlo Scarpa, a renowned Italian architect and designer.
In response to the comment, Vincent submitted photographs of the vase to the Wright Auction House. Its president, Richard Wright, was quick to reply.
Gaining riches from the vase find
It emerged that Vincent had bought a vase from the "Pennellate" ('brush stroke') series designed by architect Carlo Scarpa for the Venini glassworks in 1942. According to the auction house, the piece highlights Scarpa's perspective of the vase serving as a canvas. Given that only a limited series of these vases were produced, every surviving piece holds significant value today.
Ultimately, the vase found a new home, fetching an impressive $107,000. The buyer was a private art collector from Europe.
"I needed the money more than the vase," Vincent admitted in an interview with CNN.
Vincent assures that her thrift store visits will continue. This doesn't surprise us in the slightest.
