Jessica Vincent, a 43-year-old horse trainer from Virginia, stumbled upon a hidden treasure while perusing the shelves of a local Goodwill store. What started as a routine thrift store visit turned into a life-changing event when a colorful vase caught Vincent’s eye, ultimately leading to a remarkable turn of events.
The vase, shaped like a bottle with captivating ribbons of aqua green and amethyst purple spiraling up its glass surface, stood out amidst the clutter of household items and trinkets. Its apparent age, amidst measuring cups and candles, became more apparent as Vincent’s eyes adjusted. To her surprise, the words “Murano” and “Italia” were discernible on the base, sparking her curiosity.
Purchasing the vase for a mere $3.99 at a Goodwill outside of Richmond, Vincent initially envisioned it as a beautiful addition to her home. “I definitely didn’t buy it thinking, ‘Oh, I’m going to sell this,’” she explained.
However, a shift in perspective occurred after Vincent delved into some research. To her amazement, on December 13, the vase sold at the Wright Auction House for an astonishing $107,100. The buyer, a top collector from Europe, opted to remain private.
Vincent’s knack for spotting hidden gems is a result of years spent exploring yard sales and thrift stores with her mother. A fan of PBS’ “Antiques Roadshow,” Vincent had often daydreamed of stumbling upon a valuable find, likening it to a lottery ticket-level transaction. “I always felt like I had a good eye,” she remarked.
The rapid turnover of items at Goodwill stores played a role in the vase’s journey, according to Laura Faison, a spokeswoman for Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia. With an average of 2,000 new pieces arriving daily, quality items like Vincent’s vase likely spend only a short time on the shelves.
Faison speculated on the vase’s origin, suggesting it could have been part of someone’s effort to clean out a relative’s basement. However, the true backstory remains a mystery.
Vincent’s serendipitous discovery took place on a June afternoon, after a day of horse training, with her partner, Naza Acosta. The vase, heavy in her hands, captivated her with its delicately painted swirling colors.
Back home, Vincent turned to social media, posting photos in Facebook groups for glass art and joining a private group dedicated to Murano glass enthusiasts. The significance of the “Murano” inscription became clear – a reference to the island in Venice renowned for its glasswork since the 13th century.
The vase, a creation of the renowned Venini glass company and designed by the late Italian architect Carlo Scarpa, earned Vincent accolades from online communities. One comment on Facebook sent chills down her spine: “Those are very rare. Every collector would love to have that. But most people cannot afford them.”
Following the social media revelation, Vincent was referred to Richard Wright, president of the Wright Auction House in Chicago. The vase’s remarkable journey from a Goodwill shelf to a prestigious auction house serves as a testament to the hidden treasures that can be unearthed in the most unexpected places.
