What is an Epergne?
Traditionally, a multifluted vase with a basin. Here you can put at between 1-3 stems in each “vase”. This is one of the larger epergnes and as such can take about a dozen roses, or for a better effect This piece is in MINT condition with no chips, breaks, cracks, or any kind of repair. It is an original production from Fenton and stands over 16″ tall. The basin is about 12″ round. Crafted in Willow Green Opalescent stretch glass which has been iridized with metallic salts to give a shimmering finish (like oil on water). There are delicate accents of white which come from the opalescent materials and the optic mould. Since the tulip pull, petticoat crimp, threading, ribbing, and the tear drop-like extensions around the lillypad base are all done by hand, you can imagine just how much work goes into making one of these alone. This particular piece is actually very special. Frank had created it in collaboration with another famous glass maker, LG Wright. In 1999, Frank and his son, Georg
In the broadest sense, an epergne is a table centerpiece that is decorative and often functional. The basic design for an epergne is the use of a serving dish that is composed of a series of bowls or receptacles that are connected in some manner. An epergne can be made of just about any type of metal or glass. Epergnes can be created in a number of different designs. The bowls or receptacles may be deep or hollow. Generally, there are at least two bowls connected through some sort of central branch or stem. However, it is not unusual for an epergne to be composed of anywhere between three to five sections that may be used to hold various elements. In usage, this functional centerpiece may be utilized to hold any number of different items. If in use at an informal sit down dinner, an epergne may be used to hold side dishes that compliment the entrée. If the table is being set up in a buffet style, the epergne may be placed in the center and filled with colorful chips, dips, or other fin
If we look at the description in an English dictionary we find it listed as,”An ornamental centrepiece for a table, a stand with holders for fruit, flowers, nuts, etc., probably from the French Epargne a saving. One can see why it is more than likely this was the word, which was adapted and used, for the epergne is an item, which saves space upon the dining table. The epergne or centrepiece can be traced back to their evolution through the archive pattern books of the Stourbridge firms, illustration in contemporary periodicals and the records of the Patent Office Design Registry. Possibly the first type of glass epergne made in England was in crystal glass and consisted of a bowl with one central trumpet. From this early design the development was extremely radical and it was not long before hanging baskets from canes were added to the original concept. Although the design changed the single epergne continued to be made in crystal with engraved or etched patterns according to the fashi
It is a very fancy, elaborate, delicate candle holder or flower vase. There are many varieties available; mostly European and mostly, quite expensive. I will limit my guide to those made by Fenton Artglass Company. Fenton has been making Epergne’s for many years, starting in the mid 1940’s. Most of Fentons Epergnes are cast in White Milkglass; or, to a lesser extent, in colored milkglass, and Opalescent. There are 2 Major glass patterns used by Fenton in this process. First, and oldest, is the Diamond Lace pattern; which consists of small hobnails overlayed on a background of cut lines, resembling crocheted lace. This pattern dates back to the 1940’s and was resurrected in the 1960’s and early 1970’s for special issues. The second most popular pattern is simply HOBNAIL. Everybody knows what hobnail is, so there is very little point in describing it. Lastly, Fenton produced SOME epergnes in plain, white milkglass, with no pattern. Those epergnes made in Opalescent colors are quite rare
