GOWANS & KENT ELITE BRILLIANT CUT GLASS LOW BOWL BUZZ DESIGN

This Lovely Canadian Brilliant Period Cut Glass Low Bowl is signed Gowans & Kent, carries the logo “ELITE” in a maple leaf and measures 9 3/4" Diameter by 2 1/2" Depth or Height; and dates circa 1915.  The low bowl has deep miter cuts with a triangle at the bottom center and three stemming arches, each containing an engraved floral motif. In between each arch we have a buzz-saw design with fans on either side. A lovely clear and heavy blank!

COMMENT: This Brilliant Cut Low Bowl is very showy and is suitable for any Gift-Giving Occasion!

HISTORY OF GOWANS & KENT GLASS COMPANY

This Company, Gowans and Kent began their partnership in Toronto circa 1900 and lasted until 1918. Of course, we all know that after WW I most companies went under, even in the United States. As we know, Canada did not have a large amount of factories producing this caliber of glass. In the history, we only have (1) Gowans & Kent, circa 1900-1918, (2) Gundy & Clapperton, circa 1906-1931, (3) Roden Brothers, circa 1879-1900 in Montreal, and afterwords from 1900-1954 in London, Ontario; and from 1900-1954 in Toronto, Ontario. As for Montreal, we had (1) George Phillips, circa 1904-1971, who came in from the United States and opened shop, (2) Henry Birks, known as the “House of Birks” from 1879 to the present and (3) Pairpoint Corporation circa 1900-1930.

Unfortunately, Canadians are not the researchers that Americans are in terms of this specific glass category, being that of “cut glass”. To date, we do not, to my knowledge, have much information about our cut glass manufacturers as we should have. It is somewhat unfortunate because the companies that we did have did some absolutely fabulous work that is most definitely comparable with any of the American factories.

The Work of Gowans & Kent and Gundy & Clapperton is impeccable in terms of their shapes, patterns and geometric cutting on beautiful clear blanks. Of course like all companies toward the end, when labor costs were rising, the cost and scarcity of lead becoming the main issue… the quality of patterns started to slide to compensate. However at their apex, these two companies and Phillips of Montreal were absolutely the "cream of the cream" in terms of their creations.

Gowans & Kent were known for the great clarity of blanks. As we know many of the Canadian glass cutters imported many of their blanks form American glass factories. This factory operated in the Toronto area of Ontario from about 1900-1918. There is not much available information on this Canadian company.

PHOTOGRAPHY COMMENT: A photo of the signature was overlooked at time of photo session. A photo of the signature will be uploaded at a later date or upon request.

CONDITION: EF condition except for some minor bruising!