Ohio Finds: Optical Glass Sculpture

Spring sunshine is pouring in, and nothing captures that bright purity like this optical glass sculpture by Christopher Ries. Ries grew up on a family farm in Franklin County, and in the 1970s, he pursed a degree in fine art from the Ohio State University, initially focusing on ceramics. His attention was quickly captured by the glass techniques used for glazing, and he would go on to build the university’s first glass studio.

Ries’ most popular work is in optical glass, which, unlike window glass, is created to manage light in specific ways. It is typically used in lenses, mirrors and prisms needed for scientific equipment. Ries found that he could create dazzling pieces by cutting, carving, grinding and polishing optical glass into sculptures. 

Ries’ sculptures range in size, with the largest weighing as much as 1,500 pounds. The pieces often start as enormous glass blocks that can take up to several years to reduce and refine. His work is held by museums around the world, but smaller items like this one that sold in August 2025 are quite popular with private collectors. 

Sold: $3,700

Hollie Davis is a co-owner of Meander Auctions in Whipple, Ohio. meanderauctions.com

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