A pontil mark is the textured ring or jagged scar found on the bottom of blown glass, indicating where the solid iron rod used to hold the piece during finishing was detached. Glassmakers attach the pontil to the base of the hot vessel to free the blowpipe from the neck. Once the rim is finished, a sharp tap breaks the rod away, leaving the characteristic fracture. High-end pieces often have this mark ground flat and polished.
Heard on the job
You can tell it's handblown because the pontil mark on the base hasn't been polished out.
Insider tip
A rough, unpolished pontil mark usually indicates utilitarian ware or early production, while a ground and polished pontil suggests fine crystal or art glass.
Also heard as
- punty mark
- pontil scar