Milk glass is a milky white or colored opaque glass that is blown or pressed into a variety of decorative shapes. First made by Ventiaian glass blowers in the 16th century, it was especially popular in the late 19th century, when it went by the name “opal” glass and was a common decorative item in many upper class homes. Glass from this "Gilded Age" period is especially sought after by collectors who value the best pieces for their subtlety, delicacy and design elements.
Milk glass enjoyed a revival in America during the 1930s and 40s, as mass-produced objects marketed to less affluent buyers. Pieces from this latter period are now known as “Depression Glass.” Stylistically, they are considered cruder and less refined than the earlier pieces.
Milk glass comes in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, yellow, black, and brown, and was made into decorative dinner-ware, vases, lamps, costume jewlery. Candy bowls and animal-shaped covered dishes are higly prized by collectors.
This entry was posted
on Friday, December 21st, 2007 at 12:12 am and is filed under Antique Milk Glass.
