What is cranberry glass?

Cranberry glass is a pinkish-red transparent material coloured with gold oxide, heavily favoured by Victorian makers for decorative tableware. It appears frequently in posy vases, epergnes, and matched pairs designed for nineteenth-century display.

How were epergnes used?

Victorian epergnes served as dramatic centrepieces for dining tables, holding fruit in the main bowl and flowers in the surrounding trumpets. Guests would admire the coloured glass catching the candlelight during formal evening meals.

Are uranium glass vases safe?

Uranium glass contains low levels of radioactive material used to achieve a striking yellow-green colour, but it poses no hazard under normal display conditions. Collectors handle and display these pieces safely every day without risk.

How do I date antique glass vases?

Dating relies on stylistic markers, colour palettes, and manufacturing techniques characteristic of specific eras like Georgian, Victorian, or Art Deco. Signatures or attribution to known workshops like Monart or Venini further narrow down the production period.