A stunning example of American Art Deco pressed glass at its finest.
This generous green depression glass bowl by Hazel-Atlas Glass Company showcases the elegant Diamond Arches & Stars pattern with its geometric design and scalloped rim. Produced in the 1930s during the height of the Art Deco era, this highly collectible piece brings vintage American charm to your home.
Why You'll Love It
The substantial size makes this bowl perfect for serving salads, fruit, or desserts at gatherings, while the intricate diamond arches and star motifs add visual interest from every angle. The scalloped rim creates an elegant finish, and the rich green glass catches light beautifully on your table or sideboard. Use it for entertaining, display it as a centrepiece filled with seasonal items, or showcase it as part of a curated depression glass collection. This is a conversation piece that combines beauty with everyday function.
The Story
Produced by Hazel-Atlas Glass Company in the USA during the 1930s, this bowl represents American pressed glass craftsmanship during the Great Depression. Hazel-Atlas was one of the largest glassmakers in America, known for their quality and innovative designs. The Diamond Arches & Stars pattern is highly collectible today, particularly in this vibrant green colour. Finding pieces in excellent condition is becoming increasingly rare as collectors snap them up.
Condition
Very good vintage condition with no chips, cracks, or restoration. The scalloped rim is intact and the diamond arches and star pattern are crisp and clear. Bottom wear consistent with age and gentle use. Mould seams visible (as expected with pressed glass of this era). The glass retains its clarity and vibrant green colour.
Dimensions
Diameter: 21cm
Height: 7.5cm
Weight: 784g
Care Instructions
Hand wash only in warm soapy water – never use a dishwasher as temperature fluctuations can cause stress fractures in vintage glass. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. When serving food, avoid extreme temperature changes. Store in a stable location away from edges.
This is a one-of-a-kind piece. Once it's gone, it's gone.
Age of an Item
Antique: An item that is at least 100 years old.
Vintage: An item that is at least 20 years old but less than 100 years old and is representative of its era.
Retro: A newer item designed in the style of a past era. It is not from that era but is a modern homage to it.
Condition of an Item
Mint: As new, with no signs of wear.
Excellent Vintage Condition (EVC): Shows minimal signs of wear through use but is not perfect.
Very Good Vintage Condition (VGVC): Shows some signs of age and use but is still in good overall shape.
Good Vintage Condition (GVC): Shows clear signs of wear, use, and age.
Perfectly Imperfect: This is not an official term. We've adopted it for the purposes of The Timeless Edit because we believe damaged items still have value. Our definition of Perfectly Imperfect is if an item has visible damage but remains beautiful as a decorative piece or suitable for use in a different capacity from that for which it was originally designed.
Common Flaws found in Antique and Vintage Items
Crazing: Crazing is the existence of web of fine cracks that only occurs in the glaze layer of Fine Bone China and porcelain. It is a normal occurrence, particularly in older items.
- Clean Crazing: The cracks are clear, without any staining from food, moisture, or other contaminants. Clean crazing can be used as an intentional decorative design element.
- Stained Crazing: This occurs when food particles, bacteria, or other contaminants get into the cracks over time, causing them to darken and become visually conspicuous. Items with stained crazing are not recommended for use with food but are still great for use as a decorative piece or other practical function.
Flea Bite: A flea bite is a tiny, pin-sized chip or nick in the surface of an item. It is a common form of imperfection in older items, especially glass.
Bottom Wear: This is common in older items, especially glass, and is often an indication of age. Wear to the base of an item is caused by everyday use over time and includes scratches, scuffs, shallow chips, flakes, and flea bites.
Chip: chips are considered either shallow or deep. A shallow chip is typically inconspicuous. A deep chip is large enough to be immediately apparent.
Flake: a small and shallow chip which breaks the surface of an item.
Scratch: a mark which compromises the surface of an item, and which feels raised, rough or sharp to the touch. Not to be confused with Straw Marks and marks which can occur during the manufacturing process.
Hairline Crack. This is a narrow and tight break going through glaze and porcelain body and is visible from both sides of the item. It is not always immediately obvious and can be missed on first inspection. Generally, a hairline crack does not affect the integrity of the item.
Water Mark/Stain: patches, ridges, deposits and clouding on glass caused by water left standing in the vessel for a lengthy period. Such stains can’t be removed.
Air Bubbles: Air bubbles in hand-blown glass are a natural result of the traditional glassmaking process, where air becomes trapped in the molten glass during its creation. They are often seen as a sign of authenticity, indicating the item is handmade and unique, rather than a defect. While a small number of bubbles is generally acceptable, a high concentration of bubbles may indicate fragility. There are exceptions though. In some cases, air bubbles are an intentional decorative feature where artists have used specific Molds or techniques to control their appearance. Also, air bubbles are found in Depression Glass due to its mass production method, where the glass was quickly moulded with little concern for perfection. These bubbles are a common characteristic that signifies authentic pieces.
Maker’s Miss: This is an unintentional inclusion or air bubble in the item caused or overlooked by the glass blower or maker in the manufacturing process.
Firing Flaw: This is original flaw cased during the firing process. Examples include pinholes or blisters in the glaze, grit stuck to the glaze, stains caused by an impurity in the porcelain and shrinkage cracks that have opened during the drying or firing process. This is not considered damage.
Straw marks: These are marks on the external surface of glass that look like fine lines or even scratches. They occur when molten glass is cut with shears, and the resulting mark doesn't fully smooth out before the glass cools and sets. They are not considered damage but are instead a common characteristic of old, handmade, or machine-pressed glass. Unlike a scratch, straw marks feel smooth to the touch. Straw Marks are commonly found in Depression and Carnival Glass.
What is Depression Glass?
Depression Glass is the name given to colourful, machine-pressed glassware that was mass-produced primarily during the 1920s and 1930s, coinciding with the Great Depression era. This affordable, cheerful glassware brought a touch of colour and elegance to households during one of the most challenging economic periods in history.
Depression Glass in Australia
While Depression Glass is most commonly associated with American manufacturers, Australia also produced its own Depression Glass during this period. Australian glass companies, including Crown Crystal Glass and others, created beautiful pressed glassware that served the same purpose—bringing affordable elegance to Australian homes during tough economic times. Australian Depression Glass often featured unique patterns and colours that reflected local tastes and manufacturing capabilities, making these pieces particularly special for collectors today.
Why Was Depression Glass Made?
During the Great Depression, glass manufacturers needed to find ways to keep their factories running and workers employed while meeting the limited budgets of struggling families. Depression Glass was created as an inexpensive alternative to fine crystal and hand-cut glass. Many pieces were given away as promotional items—tucked into boxes of oats, offered as cinema giveaways, or included as petrol station premiums. This marketing strategy helped manufacturers maintain production while making glassware accessible to nearly everyone.
How Was It Made?
Unlike expensive hand-blown or hand-cut crystal, Depression Glass was manufactured using automated pressing machines. Molten glass was poured into moulds and pressed into shape, allowing for rapid, high-volume production. This mechanical process created the characteristic patterns and designs—from geometric Art Deco motifs to delicate florals—that we recognise today. The glass was relatively thin and lightweight compared to earlier pressed glass, which helped reduce costs further.
Why Is Depression Glass Collectible?
What was once considered everyday, disposable tableware has become highly sought after by collectors worldwide. Depression Glass appeals to collectors for several reasons:
- Nostalgia and History: Each piece tells a story of resilience and hope during difficult times
- Affordability: Compared to antique crystal, Depression Glass remains relatively accessible to new collectors
- Variety: With over 100 different patterns produced by numerous manufacturers across different countries, there's endless variety to discover
- Decorative Appeal: The vibrant colours and intricate patterns make beautiful display pieces that catch the light
- Completability: Collectors enjoy the challenge of completing sets or finding rare pieces in specific patterns
- Local Heritage: For Australian collectors, locally-made Depression Glass represents an important part of our manufacturing history
The Rainbow of Colours
One of the most enchanting aspects of Depression Glass is its stunning array of colours. While clear (crystal) was common, coloured glass brought joy to Depression-era tables. The most popular and collectible colours include:
- Pink: The most common and beloved colour, ranging from pale blush to deep rose
- Green: From soft mint to rich forest green, highly popular with collectors
- Amber: Warm golden and honey tones that glow when backlit
- Blue: Including cobalt, delphite (opaque), and various transparent blues
- Yellow: Cheerful canary and topaz shades, often called "vaseline glass" when it contains uranium
- Clear/Crystal: Timeless and versatile, often with elegant etched patterns
- Red: Rare and highly prized by collectors
- Purple/Amethyst: Less common, making pieces particularly desirable
- Opaque colours: Including jadite (opaque green), milk glass, and delphite (opaque blue)
Each piece of Depression Glass carries with it a fragment of history—a reminder of an era when beauty and optimism persisted even in the hardest of times. Whether you're drawn to a specific colour, pattern, or simply the charm of vintage glassware, Depression Glass offers a tangible connection to the past and a splash of timeless elegance for your home.
