It was an ordinary day. Checking out a few items on the table under our wall-mounted TV. One of the items which has been sitting on the table for the past couple of years is a small vase that is totally white. Funny that the same morning I had just read a story about bright white milk glass which dates back to the Italian Renaissance era. In fact, milk glass originated in the famous glass furnaces of Venice, Italy and was introduced to many in the 1500s. Milk glass was a cheaper alternative to porcelain which is highly sought-after in Europe. Milk glass is primarily produced in China and has many of the same qualities as porcelain, but is much less expensive than porcelain. Milk glass was all the rage with Europeans in the 1500s and 1600s. In order to make something similar to porcelain's color in durability, milk glass answered the global need. It was much less expensive than porcelain, but still has the same qualities and color as porcelain. By the 18th century, Americans collected Chinese porcelain, including famous figures such as George and Martha Washington, and used the glass for display. The inexpensive and handsome look-alike objects made of milk glass were great for collecting and proved to be a perfect alternative for collectors. If you may want to start or add to a milk glass collection, check out online and traditional auctions, yard sales and estate sales. Also, vintage and antique websites like eBay, Rubylane.com, Etsy.com and others present a great option for many collectors and resellers in search of milk glass pieces. Though milk glass is less expensive than porcelain, it is still somewhat pricey. Some interesting aspects of milk glass feature characteristics like patterns, shapes, sizes and even nuances of color. Some of the popular patterns and designs of milk glass impact their value. The rabbit or hen-covered game dishes in milk glass are collectibles that date to the late 19th and 20th centuries. And, milk glass also has highly sought after pieces such as pedestal planters, embossed pitchers with fruit and flower motifs such as daisies, roses and leaves, chalice cups, tapered bud vases and pairs of figural candlesticks. Milk glass has been used in homes since the 20th century in traditional and innovative ways. Milk glass has retained its popularity because of its versatile style. Planters and vases are the most popular types of milk glass objects. Items in milk glass can range in value from $15-$25 for a small milk glass piece to hundreds of dollars for a large punch bowl set with matching cups in a highly decorative pattern. Milk glass often makes an appearance during early summer, when parties and weddings require white bud vases for home and garden. White goes with anything and gives a fresh, clean look to any space in the home.
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