"What's New?" - December 1999

The time for giving and the joy of Christmas is upon us again. I'm sure everyone is making their last minute shopping trips, frantically trying to think of that perfect gift for a relative or friend. But while you are thinking of that perfect gift, try to remember those that are not as fortunate as ourselves and give to your favorite charity. You will feel better and it makes Christmas much more meaningful.

"Lotus Mist" - Remember awhile back I mentioned that people at the FAGCA convention had seen samples of a new green Burmese? I'm happy to finally be able to report Fenton's new line of Burmese, called "Lotus Mist". The items and ware numbers are as follows:

2735 VF 8-1/2 " Basket   2955 VF 9-1/2" Vase
2997 VF 7" Pitcher         6509 VF 9-1/2" 2-Piece Epergne
9869 VF 5" Vase            7585 VF 23" "Gone with the Wind"                                                            Lamp (limit: 950)

One other item I don't have a ware number for yet is a Cruet in the same decoration that will be the Showcase Dealer Exclusive for the first half of 2000. All items are limited to 2500 pieces except for the lamp noted above. Here is Fenton's description of this beautiful new Burmese: "Fenton is proud to introduce a new Burmese color for its limited by number Historic Collection for 2000. The soft opaque green comes from a chromium compound in the glass. The glass batch also contains gold which turns a warm pink tone when reheated. To complete the look, Designer Martha Reynolds created a beautiful Berry and Butterfly decoration...a lovely Asian lotus flower with a graceful butterfly featuring yellow-tipped wings, hovering effortlessly among the blossoms."

So far, the reaction on the Fenton chat board and the dealers has been very positive and collectors are anticipating the new Burmese. Thanks to Shelby and Steve Lollis of Market Street Antiques for allowing me to use their photographs.

"Willow Green Opalescent" - Another new line we can expect to see for Fenton's 2000 Historic collection is this new decorated opalescent color, inspired by their Florentine Green iridescent glass from the 20's. "Kim Paluche' designed the elegant Angel's Blush decoration featuring large white flowers with sheer yellow centers that appear to stir in a gentle breeze. Small purple flowers provide contrast and accent to the decoration. Limited to sales in calendar year 2000, the Willow Green Historic Collection offers Fenton glass fanciers the opportunity to build a collection of interesting items in an elegant color."