Fenton | Thistle Banana Boat | Marigold Carnival Glass | c. 1907–1920

Fenton | Thistle Banana Boat | Marigold Carnival Glass | c. 1907–1920

Pressed glass brought ornament within reach; iridescence gave it a different kind of light.

Carnival glass takes its shifting, metallic sheen from a treatment applied to pressed glass while it is still hot. The Fenton Art Glass Company introduced its iridescent ware in late 1907, making richly patterned glass with a look previously associated with more expensive decorative wares. Its Waterlily and Cattails pattern, used on the outside of this banana boat, is one of Fenton’s earliest iridescent designs.

The long oval bowl rises from four scrolled feet, and its undulating rim is finished with a fine sawtooth edge. Four stylised thistles with sweeping leaves fill the interior, framed by a band of honeycomb lattice and small floral motifs. Outside, the moulded Waterlily and Cattails pattern, with water lilies, cattails and small flowers, extends around the sides. The marigold glass is a warm amber-orange, with shifting pink and green highlights where the light catches the surface.

Very good condition, with no chips, cracks or other damage. Brownish patches and discolouration are visible in parts of the interior, particularly near the upper border and around the thistle decoration. Their nature has not been established, and no cleaning has been attempted, so as not to disturb the iridescent finish.

Key Details

• Maker: Fenton Art Glass Company, USA
• Pattern: Thistle (interior); Waterlily and Cattails (exterior)
• Form: banana boat on four scroll feet
• Material: pressed, iridescent glass
• Colour: marigold
• Approximate date: c. 1907–1920
• Marks: unmarked
• Dimensions: length 27 cm; width 19.5 cm; height 10 cm
• Weight: 1,501 g
• Condition: very good; interior discolouration as described; no chips or cracks
• Buyer profile: collectors of American carnival glass and Fenton, and anyone looking for a substantial centrepiece bowl

Collector Appeal

The Thistle banana boat pairs two recognised Fenton designs: stylised thistles inside and Waterlily and Cattails outside. Its four scroll feet and scalloped rim give the long oval form a distinctive presence, and the marigold iridescence brings out the detail of the moulded decoration. For collectors, the appeal lies in this combination of pattern, form and early American carnival glass history.

A little metal on hot glass, and an ordinary bowl began to hold the light.