It sold at auction for $171,000. Photo / AP Jessica Vincent found this rare Murano glass vase in an op shop in Virginia. It sold at auction for $171,000. Photo / AP ...

The vase was produced by the renowned glass company Venini and designed by Italian architect Carlo Scarpa, who died in 1978. One response on Facebook gave her chills: "Those are very rare.

The vases inspired by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, bottom left, and by Patricia Field, top left, along with others Mr. Findletar made for the show at Bergdorf Goodman.

Crucially, Vincent said she recognized markings on the vase's base indicating that it was made in Italy, from high-end Murano glass. But one word remained a mystery to her, so once home she shared ...