Vintage 1986 Mt St Helens Volcanic Ash Art Glass Egg Paperweight Signed MSH 86 Iridescent Rainbow

# Vintage 1986 Mount St. Helens Volcanic Ash Art Glass Egg Paperweight – Signed MSH 86 – Iridescent Rainbow Glass

Discover a beautiful piece of Pacific Northwest glassmaking history with this **vintage 1986 Mount St. Helens volcanic ash art glass egg paperweight**, featuring spectacular iridescent rainbow coloring, intricate feathered glasswork, and an engraved MSH 86 marking on its underside.

Created just six years after the historic May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington State, this collectible paperweight represents a fascinating marriage of natural history and American studio glass artistry.

## Authentic Mount St. Helens Volcanic Ash Glass

Following the catastrophic 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, Pacific Northwest glass artisans began incorporating volcanic ash into decorative glass creations.

The mineral-rich ash became a distinctive component of regional studio glass production, transforming material from one of America's most significant volcanic events into beautiful, enduring works of art.

This paperweight bears the engraved marking **MSH 86**, identifying it with Mount St. Helens ash glass and indicating a 1986 production date.

Mount St. Helens ash glass is closely associated with the Pacific Northwest studio glass tradition, including renowned Seattle glassmakers such as Glass Eye Studio.

## Spectacular Iridescent Rainbow Design

This eye-catching egg-shaped paperweight features a stunning combination of luminous colors and intricate glasswork.

Brilliant shades of pink, purple, lavender, turquoise, electric blue, emerald green, and golden yellow create a shimmering rainbow effect across its polished exterior.

The interior features delicate pink and lavender swirling glass, accented by dramatic dark feather-like and cellular patterns that rise organically through the composition.

As the paperweight is rotated or viewed under changing light, its iridescent finish produces captivating shifts in color and visual depth.

The combination of abstract feathered detailing, vibrant iridescence, and delicate interior glasswork makes this a particularly attractive example of vintage American art glass.

## Item Details

- **Item:** Vintage decorative art glass paperweight
- **Date:** 1986
- **Marking:** Engraved MSH 86 on underside
- **Origin:** Pacific Northwest, United States
- **Material:** Studio art glass associated with Mount St. Helens volcanic ash
- **Shape:** Egg-shaped / upright oval
- **Colors:** Iridescent pink, purple, lavender, blue, green, turquoise, yellow, and rainbow tones
- **Design:** Abstract feathered and cellular patterns with swirling pink interior glass
- **Finish:** Glossy, polished, iridescent surface
- **Approximate Height:** 2.5 inches
- **Period:** 1980s vintage American studio glass
- **Studio Association:** Mount St. Helens ash glass tradition, including glassmaking associated with Glass Eye Studio

## A Collectible Piece of American Volcanic History

On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in one of the most significant volcanic events in modern United States history.

The eruption dramatically reshaped the surrounding landscape and deposited volcanic ash across large areas of the Pacific Northwest.

In the years that followed, regional glass artists discovered ways to incorporate volcanic ash into their creations, producing distinctive decorative glass objects that became collectible reminders of this historic event.

Dated 1986, this paperweight reflects that early period of Mount St. Helens-inspired studio glass artistry.

Today, vintage volcanic ash glass continues to appeal to collectors of American art glass, geological memorabilia, Pacific Northwest craftsmanship, and historical collectibles.

## Condition

This vintage paperweight displays beautiful iridescent coloring and intricate decorative detail.

The underside features visible signs of age and surface wear consistent with handling and display.

Please carefully examine all photographs and the accompanying video for a complete visual representation of its condition, measurements, colors, signature, and design.

The actual paperweight pictured is the exact piece you will receive.

## Ideal For Collectors Of

- Mount St. Helens volcanic ash glass
- Vintage 1980s American studio art glass
- Signed and dated glass paperweights
- Pacific Northwest glass art
- Iridescent and rainbow art glass
- Egg-shaped decorative paperweights
- Glass Eye Studio and related regional glassmaking traditions
- Geological and volcanic history memorabilia
- Unusual handmade glass collectibles

## A Beautiful Combination of Art and History

Combining dramatic iridescent color, intricate feather-like glasswork, and a connection to the historic 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption, this **signed 1986 volcanic ash art glass paperweight** offers both decorative appeal and historical interest.

Its compact egg-shaped form makes it an excellent addition to a curio cabinet, glass collection, office desk, or decorative display.

Whether purchased by a dedicated art glass enthusiast, a collector of Mount St. Helens memorabilia, or someone who appreciates distinctive vintage craftsmanship, this beautiful paperweight is a wonderful representation of Pacific Northwest glass artistry.

**Please review all photographs, particularly the engraved MSH 86 marking on the underside, as they are part of the item's description.**