Jessica Vincent showcases a vase crafted by Italian architect and designer Carlo Scarpa from his Pennelatte series in the 1940s, displayed at her residence in Henrico County, Virginia. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Vincent via AP)
Jessica Vincent discovered a remarkable vase while browsing the shelves of a thrift store in Virginia. The vase, shaped like a bottle with captivating aqua green and amethyst purple ribbons spiraling up its glass surface, stood out among the clutter of everyday items. Despite its vintage appearance, Vincent initially purchased it for $3.99 at a Goodwill store outside of Richmond, purely for its aesthetic appeal.
Vincent, a 43-year-old horse trainer, didn't anticipate the vase's true value until she noticed the words "Murano" and "Italia" on its base. Intrigued, she conducted research and soon realized she might have stumbled upon a hidden treasure. On December 13, the vase was auctioned through the Wright Auction House, fetching an impressive $107,100 from a discreet European collector.
Vincent's acquisition followed years of exploring yard sales and thrift stores with her mother. A fan of PBS' "Antiques Roadshow," she had often dreamed of a significant find, and this vase turned out to be her unexpected lottery ticket.
Expressing her surprise that no one had noticed the vase before her, Vincent explained that items in thrift stores, including this particular piece, have a rapid turnover due to the constant influx of new products. Laura Faison, a spokesperson for Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia, suggested that the vase might have originated from someone cleaning out a relative's basement, leaving its exact backstory unknown.
The vase, heavy and delicately crafted, prompted Vincent to share photos on Facebook groups dedicated to glass art. Joining a private group for Murano glass enthusiasts, she received an enthusiastic response, confirming the rarity and desirability of her find. The vase, produced by the renowned Venini glass company and designed by Italian architect Carlo Scarpa, belonged to the Pennellate collection created in 1942.
Vincent's journey to discover the vase's true worth led her to Richard Wright, president of the Wright Auction House in Chicago. Recognizing the rarity and significance of the piece, Wright dispatched specialists to Virginia to confirm its authenticity. The vase's perfect condition, without any chips or damage, further added to its value.
The auction house is set to receive about $23,600 from the sale, while Vincent will receive approximately $83,500. Vincent, who isn't independently wealthy, plans to use a substantial portion of the money to install an HVAC system in her recently purchased old farmhouse, currently relying on space heaters for warmth.
Vincent expressed a hope that the vase would eventually find its way to a museum, considering her modest farmhouse an inadequate showcase for such a spectacular piece. Reflecting on the newfound responsibility that comes with owning a valuable item, Vincent shared her relief at having some financial breathing room while continuing her passion for training horses with her partner.
