How do I identify uranium glass?

Uranium glass displays a distinctive yellow-green tint under normal daylight. The most reliable method of confirmation is applying a UV blacklight, which causes the material to emit a strong neon green glow. This chemical addition was common in interwar manufacturing and poses no significant risk for display purposes. Pieces utilising this glass range from small perfume bottles to large vases.

What periods do these pieces date from?

The items generally date from the 1920s and 1930s, aligning with the interwar modernist movement. Production continued through the art deco era before industrial shifts altered manufacturing methods. Most surviving examples carry characteristics of design trends from around 1930. Workshops in Bohemia produced the majority of these documented items.

How were decanter sets used?

Decanter sets served alcoholic beverages such as whisky or liqueurs in domestic settings. The collection typically included a stoppered bottle and several matching small glasses. Owners displayed these sets on sideboards or drinks cabinets as functional ornaments. Geometric patterns on the decanters matched the accompanying vessels to present a unified aesthetic.

Can I use these vases for fresh flowers?

These vessels function well as decorative objects, but delicate surfaces require careful handling during use. Enamel and gold leaf decorations can suffer from abrasive cleaning or prolonged moisture exposure. Hand washing in lukewarm water preserves the fragile enamel and etched details. Many collectors prefer to exhibit them dry to protect the historical surface.