Carnival glass, an inexpensive rainbow-colored glass was first created around 1904 in the United
States before spreading to other countries. The glass is formed by
combining metal oxides while the glass is molten, pouring it into molds
and spraying metallic salt solutions onto the hot surface before firing
it again. The melting of the salts creates the rainbow colors (Newton's
rings) of varying density and light refraction. Hand decoration
augments the iridescence and pearlescence that is popular with
collectors, and inspires hairstylists who are experienced in adding
highlights to
their clients' tresses. Much more attractive and glowing than mere
glass painting. The formula was a response
to Louis Tiffany's more expensive and elegant
glass creations, with the result that the pieces became a "poor man's
Tiffany". The inexpensive metal-oxide technique, when applied to
inexpensive machine-made molds, compared with Tiffany's far more
expensive hand-blown creations.
The first step was to pour molten glass into a large outside mold, then
press a smaller inner mold into the first one. If any glass seeped
through the edges, it was a simple matter of polishing and buffing away
the telltale seams. While the glass was still hot, it could still be
hand-finished, adding inventive shapes like ruffles and crimping. The
objects created in this style included vases, dinnerware and hair
accessories. The gaudy, flashy glass lost its appeal during the
depression years of the Dirty Thirties, so much so that it was
given away as prizes during carnivals and fairs, thereby earning its
name. It made a comeback during the 1950s as punch bowls, tumblers,
jugs, dishes, vases, and hundreds of other patterned items, more than a
thousand patterns produced in the USA alone. Earlier works, especially
the popular marigold designs, retain a far greater value as many fragile
pieces may not have survived the years. More modern reproductions,
although popular, are not as valuable.
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