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)


December 20, 2023

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.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Ice Bucket Challenge Returns After A Decade To Support Mental Health

The Ice Bucket Challenge is making a comeback, but this time, it’s not just about ALS. The new version of....

Pedro Pascal’s Premiere Look Supports Trans Women’s Rights

Pedro Pascal, a well-known Hollywood actor, used the premiere of Marvel's "Thunderbolts" in London to show his support for trans....

Drones to deliver supplies on Mount Everest, changing climbs forever

At the top of the world, surrounded by glaciers and towering peaks, Mount Everest has long been a place where....

Florence Pugh Wears Stunning Sheer Gown At Thunderbolts Premiere

Florence Pugh caught everyone's attention with her bold black outfit at the Thunderbolts premiere in London. The 29-year-old actress wore....

Carrie Underwood wows fans with her toned figure in mini pink dress

Carrie Underwood recently turned heads with her stylish outfit during her appearance on American Idol. The country music star wore....

First Canadian Wins Top Global Whisky Award, Displays It in Windsor

A major achievement has arrived in Windsor, Ontario. Don Livermore, the master blender at Hiram Walker and Sons, has won....

Sarah Jessica Parker’s Surprising Shoe Choice In Paris Stuns Fans

Sarah Jessica Parker is widely known for her impeccable fashion sense, both on-screen as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the....

Coachella 2025: Fashion Trends And Standout Celebrity Looks

Coachella 2025 has shown a noticeable shift in the festival’s fashion scene. As the second weekend approaches, many attendees have....

 Man Runs 55 km To Visit Every McDonald’s In Vancouver

Lawrence Nguyen, a 28-year-old runner, set out on a fun and bold mission: to run through Vancouver and stop at....

Paris Hilton’s Cut-Out Catsuit Sparks Buzz At Coachella

Paris Hilton made a splash at Coachella 2025, joining thousands of fans enjoying performances from big stars like Lady Gaga,....

Elizabeth Hurley, 59, Turns Heads In Sparkling Low-Cut Sequin Dress

Elizabeth Hurley turned heads at the 28th SPA Awards in Germany on Saturday. The 59-year-old actress looked stunning in a....

Selena Gomez And Benny Blanco Embrace The Matching Look Trend

Celebrity couples have long made waves by coordinating their outfits, creating a style statement that reflects their relationship. This trend....