Custard Glass Inkwell

This inkwell showcases a specialized and decorative type of glass.

• Material and Finish: This inkwell is a single, sculpted piece made of custard glass, a type of milk glass. The base color of the glass is a creamy, pale yellow. The lid lifts off the body of the inkwell.
• Decoration: The inkwell is hand-painted with a scenic design featuring a palm tree and other foliage on a shoreline, suggesting a warm, tropical setting. The subtle orange blush on the glass, particularly on the domed lid, is a result of a re-heating process.

How the Coloring was Achieved

The unique custard and orange coloring of this inkwell is a result of a specific glass-making process that was popular in the late 19th century.

1. Custard Color: The creamy yellow hue is achieved by adding a small amount of uranium oxide to the molten glass batch.
2. Orange Blush: The orange blush is the result of a secondary process. The piece was carefully reheated or “fired” at a lower temperature after its initial molding. This process, known as opalescence, causes the uranium-infused glass to develop a delicate orange or fiery blush on the surface.

This type of glass was popular in the late 19th century, particularly from around 1880 to 1910, making this inkwell a fine example of the period’s decorative glasswork.