Common Types Of American Artistic Glassware

In Europe and Asia even before America became an independent country, beautiful artistic glassware was recognized as the symbol of luxury. In the early years of the US, luxury was pretty rare, but people still loved art and beauty and managed to bring these beautiful artistic glassware collections into their homes.

The American spirit could be celebrated by the unique American collection of artistic glassware which might prove to be as delicate, elegant and even beautiful as any other collection. Some of those however are not of the same quality as that of the European glassware. This glassware acts as a symbol of early American life and reveals how we decorated our homes in various periods of history including World War I.

Depression glass

One of the most collected American artistic glassware is depression glass. It was low quality glassware which was used during the 1930’s as well as 1940’s. It was also available at pretty cheap prices for the day and could be easily bought at the five and dime.

Depression glass pieces were very cheap and of poor quality but were beautiful glassware. Collecting the wonderful pink, green or even blue pieces of artistic glassware became a very popular pastime and a way to take one’s mind off the depressing economic conditions of the time. The glass was of such poor quality that little has survived, making depression glass a valuable collector’s item today.

Milk Glass

A number of designs and patterns were created by the Fenton glass company in the year 1905. Milk glass is one of the most well known types of glassware. They are white in color with a hobnail texture. A faint blue cast similar to skim milk is present in some milk glass. Fenton glass is considered to be the most popular among all. Mixing bowls and several other items were manufactured even in the war years. By 1950s they started to produce milk glass and other artistic glassware. These items continue in production with newer designs on the line.

Carnival Glass

Carnival glass is another glass invented by Fenton Glass. Just after World War I, carnival glass became popular. Carnival glass is iridescent and in a rainbow of colors which gives it a beautiful appeal. This type of glassware continues to be in production to this day.

Other American artistic glassware products that could be collected are Anchor Hocking, Fostoria, Pyrex glassware and others. Collecting glassware gives one a peak into life in previous times. It is also a way to bring art and beauty into our homes today. Getting started with glassware collections is pretty easy as antique pieces can be found on eBay or at local antique stores. Plus many glassware collectible pieces are still being manufactured today which you can collect and pass on to your grandchildren.