Goodwill Shopper Discovers $5 Vase Designed by Famous Italian Architect

The Discovery

A collectible Carlo Scarpa vase was discovered by a Goodwill shopper who initially bought the item for $3.99. The customer, Jessica Vincent, was unaware of the vase's significance until she looked into its history, which had a value of over $100,000.

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It's no secret that many consumers can uncover various treasures from Goodwill. In recent memory, Goodwill customers have stumbled upon classic PlayStation games, a collection of Xbox 360 titles, a hidden Pokemon cartridge within a bundle of LEGO bricks, and many more. A good majority of these discoveries are accidental, surprising many consumers. These discoveries are often posted online, with one Goodwill consumer recently sharing their experience with a rare purchase of a vase from the 1940s.

Jessica Vincent, a horse trainer from Richmond, Virginia, bought a unique Carlo Scarpa vase from a Goodwill store for only $3.99 in June 2023. Unbeknownst at the time, Vincent initially purchased the vase as decor for her home, only to soon look into the words 'Murano' and 'Italia' on its base. After researching the words online, Vincent discovered the vase's importance as part of Carlo Scarpa's Pennellatte series in the 1940s. The vase's value turned out to be $107,100; Vincent acquired $83,000 from an anonymous European buyer.

Vincent was quite ecstatic about the process. News outlets shared her story, including People Magazine, where she was interviewed about her experience. 'It was the thrifters equivalent of winning the lottery,' Vincent said. The vase's true nature was discovered after Vincent joined a private Facebook group focused on Italian Murano Glass. It was there when group members informed Vincent that the vase was rare. Thus, she was referred to the president of the Wright Auction House in Chicago, Richard Wright, to discuss further matters on the vase.

The Artist and the Vase

Carlo Scarpa, the artist behind Vincent's recently sold vase, was a 20th-century Italian architect and designer best known for creatively utilizing materials that would involve special glass and furniture designs. The vase itself was produced by the Venini company and designed by Scarpa before his death in 1979. His art style inspired some of the architectural design behind Remedy's Control.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Jessica Vincent plans to spend her earnings on improvements to her 1930s farmhouse, including heat and a dishwasher. She also intends to use the money toward rescuing horses.

At the time of writing, the vase is available to check out on the Wright Auction House website. It's designated under model 3664 as a Rare Pennellate vase from 1947 Italy. Close-up images of the vase are available to view on the site.