Some pieces just stop you in your tracks, and this one practically lights up the room on its own. This footed pitcher is rendered in glowing canary yellow glass, its surface a riot of pressed starbursts, buttons, and crisp geometric panels that catch every bit of light. Collectors call this beauty vaseline glass, and once you have seen that warm, otherworldly glow, you never forget it.
So what makes vaseline glass so special? The color comes from a tiny amount of uranium added to the molten batch, a Victorian trick that gives the glass its signature pale yellow-green hue. Hold it up to a window and it seems to hold captured sunlight. Shine an ultraviolet light on it, and the whole piece erupts into a brilliant, glowing green. It is the kind of party trick that has delighted collectors for well over a century, and yes, it is perfectly safe to display and enjoy.
This particular pitcher dates to around 1885 and is attributed to King, Son and Company, a respected Pittsburgh glasshouse of the era. The pressing is wonderfully crisp, with rows of daisy-and-button motifs marching up the paneled body, a fluted footed base, and a bold, confident handle. Pieces like this were made in an age when even an everyday pitcher was meant to be beautiful, and the craftsmanship still shows after nearly 140 years.
Imagine it on a sunny windowsill where it can drink in the light, anchoring a collection of yellow glass, or standing alone as a single glowing statement on a sideboard. It pairs beautifully with both Victorian and modern decor, bringing a spark of warmth wherever it lands.
Come see this glowing treasure in person at Pollyanna’s Antiques in downtown Mt. Clemens, open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 to 4. A piece this radiant has a way of finding a new home quickly.