New York, 1980's, cleverly designed fine crystal modernist frog sculpture created as hand cooler and/or decorative paperweight. In the Victorian period, ladies used hand coolers to keep them from embarrassing moments when, due to the many layers of clothing dictated by fashion, their palms would become clammy. Since the early 20th century, Steuben Glass has been well known for their delightful hand coolers. Creatively shaped in the form of an egg, to be comfortably held, early hand coolers were made of stone or glass and were used when women were at dances. The frog is signed “Steuben.” When looking at it face-to-face, turn it over and the signature appears just above the hind feet.Today, these delightful objets d’art are used either as paper weights or as a decorative item. People love to give and receive them as gifts and, too, there are dedicated collectors, as you might imagine.
In legend and folklore, the frog is a popular symbol of transformation. In addition to the Grimm fairytale of a frog turning into a handsome prince, there are many other stories where people are transformed into frogs or vice-versa.
These measurements are approximate because of the rounded form: 2 7/16” x 1 ¾” x 1 ¼” depth. Lovely condition.
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