Reverse Decoupage Vase?

Not sure what this is made of ... may be some early plastic? At 1st blush, I assumed it was glass.
Would appreciate anyone's take on it.

 

The base has a definite "plastic" look to it. A composition material but oldsheimers is blocking.

 

Are the flowers "encased" in the material or glued onto the inside surface in some way?

 

I've seen those. From memory, late 70s into early 80s and a sort of fibre glass. Very light, yes?

 

Weighs 8.10 ounces so it's hefty for its size

 

Its heft (8.10 ounces) leads me to believe that perhaps it's an early plastic composite.

 

The flowers are encased. They are life-like... very delicate.

 

It reminds me a bit of the mid-century "embedded butterflies" stuff my great aunt had when I was a kid (1950's/60's.)

Sort of like this bowl:

from:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mid-Century-Vintage-Lucite-Gold-flecked-Bowl-w-Embedded-Butterflies-Leaves-/322270425199?hash=item4b08d0706f:g:YlMAAOSwTA9X5Lua

I've seen it referred to as Lucite and as acrylic, but I honestly don't know what type of plastic it really is.

 

I remember those too. I think they were made of acrylic and not Lucite.

 

I too faintly remember the "see through" plastic items with imbedded butterflies and other objects. This item is a quite different...base medium is slag-like smoky/cloudy.

 

I noticed the flowing color behind the flowers and am wondering what the inside of the vase feels like? The same "plastic-y" feel as the outside? Or smoother like glass?

The reason I ask is because I suspect that the flowers were adhered to an already shaped and hardened vase (that already had the color swirled into it and then whatever it is that is covering them was applied. The addition of the metal pieces would be the final step.

 

The inside feels rough but the exterior surface is very smooth - glass-like. Wht's fascinating is the flowers/plants look like they are/were dried. Flower petals are missing, bent, etc.

BTW, there is no metal on this vase. The bottom and top rims were painted as is the rope decoration on the neck.

I've attached another image that may help.

Also, this is my inaugural posting and I am very appreciative of all the suggestions.

 

Elwood, do you think maybe it IS decoupage - using pressed flowers - perhaps even over glass?

(Whatever it is, it's definitely pretty cool!)

 

I've shown this vase to a number of knowledgeable collectors and none had a plausible idea. They are as puzzled as I am.

After scouring the internet, I found some references to "internal" decoupage. Could be that the flowers/were applied and a clear sealer encased them.

All of the flowers/plants are unique - no two are alike. This rules out a decal type of application.

I found this website and have been pleased with the reaction. I feel somebody is going to ID this thing! I've been digging around for a long time and this vase has a really intriguing look and feel.

 

The bowl is a product called Smilite from the early '50s, but I don't think OP's vase is the same material. (could be wrong.)

 

Have ruled out Smilite.
Leaning toward:a clear glass vase with the smoky/cloudy gray slag type (epoxy like?) poured to coat the interior of the vase. Decoupaged pressed flowers applied to the exterior along with the copper painted rims and rope work. Clear sealer applied as the final coat.

Perhaps there is such a process?

 

Sounds hobbyist.

 

Could be hobbyist. An original creation - one of a kind perhaps?