This beautiful piece of Higgins art glass is one of Frances and Michael's early pieces made in their home studio between 1948 and the early 1950s before their partnership with Dearborn Glass. The vintage art glass piece has a hand-etched signature. Small and wonderful, the fused glass piece has a striking pattern of muted oranges and pink. Originally intended for use as an ashtray, the dish has indentations on two sides. Founded in 1948, Frances & Michael Higgins began producing their now famous art glass in their Chicago apartment using kilns set up behind their sofa. Using the ancient art of glass fusing, the Higgins created the quintessential art glass of the Mid-Century Modern era. The ashtray is 4" x 4" and is in very good vintage condition with no cracks or chips.