Vintage Artisan Kaleidoscope, "Blue Cone # 299" Era 2018 By Charles Karadimos. 2 mirror System Dry Chamber Hand Slumped Glass Body and Hand Lampworked Glass inside the dry cell.
Stands 9 1/4 inches tall. The diameter at the widest point (base)is 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Amazing Symmetry and mirror Alignment Dry Cell Chamber is filled with hand lamp worked Glass Flameworked glass pieces. An outstanding crafted kaleidoscope.
# 299 is a Super Special one as the mirror system and colors inside and out are so harmonious and beautiful. Even more beautiful in person.
Charles cone series is a very important part of his work he has chosen the cone shape for his exterior as the mirror system inside is also tapered he and I firmly believe there is better symmetry as they eye focuses better 1/3 the way down the mirror system and the tapered design produces an even better symmetrical image. His optics are among the best in the business and the symmetry is so precise. We have found much healing and joy from his work.
This cone series in this form has now been discontinued He is focusing more on more elaborate versions of this cone shape.
Charles has devoted his career to kaleidoscopes since 1980 to his kaleidoscope work. He prides himself on building all parts of the kaleidoscope. There are no machined parts used in the making of his kaleidoscopes. We especially love and appreciate his skill and detail taken in lampworking special parts for his object cells. Always a hint of Black is used in the cells the black gives a framework and some structure to his images. Many of his images remind me of the fantastic Rose window http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_windows Stained glass Images of the great Churches of Europe Like Chartres Cathedral in France. Charles Karadimos is recognized worldwide as a top Kaleidoscope artist.