The Portland Vase: A Price Tag as Dramatic as its History
Ah, the Portland Vase. A timeless Roman cameo glass masterpiece, a historical hot potato, and the answer to a particularly fancy pub quiz question. But what if you crave this ancient beauty for your own abode? The question on everyone's impeccably-dressed lips: how much does this bad boy cost?
Well, buckle up, bargain hunters, because the answer is...it depends. Buckle up even tighter, drama queens, because the story behind the price is just as juicy as the vase itself.
From Emperor's Tomb to Millionaire's Mantle: A Pricey Journey
The Portland Vase's price tag has been on a wilder ride than a toga party on a unicycle. Originally unearthed (allegedly from an emperor's tomb) in the 1600s, it bounced around wealthy collectors like a rogue tennis ball. In 1780, a fellow named William Cavendish-Bentinck (bold that name, it's gonna be important) bought it for a cool £1,000 (that's a lot of shillings!).
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
Fast forward to the 1800s, enter another William Cavendish-Bentinck (yes, really, this family has a thing for the vase). This William, however, wasn't quite as careful. Long story short, the vase gets smashed to smithereens by a deranged visitor to the British Museum.
 |
| How Much Is A Portland Vase |
Shattered Dreams, Soaring Prices?
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
But fear not, art lovers! The Victorians, ever the resourceful bunch, meticulously reconstructed the vase using glue (fancy glue, presumably). This little resurrection act, however, did not affect the price. In fact, the whole saga only added to the vase's mystique, making it priceless (literally, it wasn't for sale).
 |
So, How Much Does it Cost Now?
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
Since the actual Portland Vase is safely tucked away in the British Museum, the answer is: you can't buy it. However, you can snag yourself a replica. Here's where things get interesting.
- Wedgwood makes beautiful jasperware replicas, channeling their inner William Cavendish-Bentinck (number two) with prices ranging from a few hundred to a a few thousand dollars depending on size and detail.
- Vintage replicas can pop up on auction sites, with prices depending on age and condition.
- There are even DIY Portland Vase kits (yes, you read that right) floating around the internet for the truly adventurous (and possibly glue-obsessed) crafter.
FAQ: Your Burning Portland Vase Questions Answered
How to identify a real Portland Vase?
Good luck! The real one resides in the British Museum.
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
How to care for a Portland Vase replica?
Treat it like any other precious object. Dust gently, avoid sunlight, and don't let any overzealous Victorians near it with glue.
How to make a Portland Vase replica at home?
We recommend starting with a vase you already own and working your way up from there. Safety first, friends!
How much is a Portland Vase replica worth?
Depends on the replica. See above for a pricing breakdown.
How to impress your friends with Portland Vase knowledge?
Casually drop this fact at your next dinner party: The Portland Vase was once owned by two guys with the exact same name. Instant conversation starter (or maybe just confused stares).
 |
