How do I clean an antique glass bowl?

Wash the glass gently in lukewarm water using mild soap and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh scrubbing or abrasive cleaners that might damage enamel work or metal mounts. Dry the piece immediately with a lint-free cloth. If the bowl has silver or gilt metal parts, keep moisture away from those areas during cleaning.

How can I tell Art Nouveau from Art Deco?

Art Nouveau pieces, produced around the turn of the twentieth century, feature flowing organic lines, floral motifs and sinuous plant forms. You will often see asymmetrical designs inspired by nature. Art Deco pieces from the 1920s and 1930s favour geometric shapes, symmetry, clean lines and stylised patterns. The forms become more structured and architectural.

Are these bowls suitable for everyday use?

Most of these bowls serve well for display or gentle domestic use such as holding potpourri, fruit or dressing table items. Pieces with delicate enamel, thin moulding or metal mounts require careful handling. Avoid exposing antique glass to sudden temperature changes or heavy daily wear to preserve the material and any original mounts.

What is vaseline glass?

Vaseline glass is a type of transparent or translucent glass made with uranium oxide as a colouring agent. It typically displays a characteristic yellow or yellowish-green tint. In natural light, the glass has a warm, oily appearance that resembles petroleum jelly, which gave the material its common collector name.