Carnival glass is molded or pressed glass with an iridescent layer on the surface.
Carnival glass has been known by many other names in the past: aurora glass, rainbow glass, taffeta glass, and scornfully as "poor man's Tiffany".
Its current name was adopted by collectors in the 50s due to the fact that it was sometimes given as a prize at carnivals, parties and fairs.
The key to its appeal was that it superficially resembled iridescent blown glass much finer and much more expensive than Tiffany glass, and also that the cheerful bright finish caught the light even in the dark corners of the house.
Carnival glass was born as a glass called "Iridill", produced starting from 1908 by the American Fenton Art Glass Company.
It was inspired by the fine blown glass art of manufacturers such as Tiffany and Steuben, but did not sell due to the high prices and was subsequently discounted.
Iridill became popular and very profitable for the American company Fenton, which maintained its position as the largest producer and was one of the very few producers to use a red colored glass base for its carnival glass.
Most of the carnival glass in the United States was produced before 1925, with production declining sharply after 1931. Some major productions continued outside the United States during the Depression years of the early 30s, dwindling to very few in the 40s.
Some carnival glasses are still produced today even if in very small quantities.
Various carnival glass designs have been designed and made by manufacturers in different parts of the world such as those of Crown Crystal of Australia, famous for their depiction of that continent's distinctive fauna and flora in their glass.
Sowerby (England) known for the use of figurative pieces of swan, hen and dolphin in carnival finish.
The German production of carnival glass was dominated by the Brockwitz glassworks, with predominantly geometric motifs inspired by cut glass.
Carnival glass gets its iridescent luster from the application of metallic salts while the glass is still hot from pressing. A final firing of the glass enhances the iridescent properties of the salts, giving the carnival glass the distinct luster it is known for.
Carnival glass was made in a wide range of colors, shades, color combinations and variations.
The most popular color for carnival glass is now known by collectors as "calendula" (marigold).
Marigold has a clear glass base and is the most easily recognizable carnival color. The colors of the marigold's final surface are mostly a bright orange-gold which perhaps turns to copper with small areas showing rainbow or "oil clear" reflections.
Items made of carnival glass include: bowls, plates, vases, pitchers or pitchers and glasses, etc.
Carnival glass is highly collectible. Prices vary widely, with some pieces worth very little while other rare items are worth thousands of dollars. Examples of carnival glass can easily be found in antique shops and on major social media channels.
Source: wikipedia.it
