what is this pontil

[colin1jeanne]

hi could you tell me what is meant by the pontil ?



































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[La Spezia]

Hi, a pontil is the resting batch (glass compound) that is left on the bottom when the blowpipe was cut off. Horst

[TxSilver]

A pontil or punty is a metal rod used to support glass while it is being worked. When the pontil is removed (cut and broken away), it leaves a pontil scar or mark. The mark can be smoothed and polished or left rough. The appearance of the pontil mark can relay a lot of information about the quality of the glass and who made it.

[colin1jeanne]

thank you both for your reply. does this mean that if it is not polished after the break off that it is poor quality glass ? and there for not murano.

thanks again in advance coiln.

[TxSilver]

Originally Posted by colin1jeanne

thank you both for your reply. does this mean that if it is not polished after the break off that it is poor quality glass ? and there for not murano.

thanks again in advance coiln.

It's hard to say yes or no, Colin. Some high quality Murano glass have snap pontil marks (pontil just broken off) or marks that are not finished. Stemmed glassware usually has a simple snap pontil mark or one that is polished flush. Both are fine. The same is true with some vases. The quality of the glass is judged more by the quality of the workmanship of the main part -- e.g., the sides of a vase. The finish of the pontil is like a dessert. A nice finish means a bit extra was put into the glass, but the glass is also fine without the extra touch -- like a dinner is still good even without the dessert.

I have to say here that one of the hallmarks of contemporary American studio glass is a beautiful work of art with a base that looks crude. Many American studios just don't like to spend time on those bases. The glass can still be exceptional, though.