The Art Deco dressing table was a small theatre of daily ritual — a place where affordable luxury met careful design, and where even the humblest household could own something beautiful. This frosted satin green glass footed bowl is a survivor of that era, most likely one component of a matching vanity set that would have included a tray, candlesticks, a ring tree, and a lidded powder pot. The bowl itself — whether used originally as a hair receiver, a posy holder, or a powder base — has the quiet elegance that defined Depression-era glassware at its best. The matching frosted satin green vanity tray is available separately — the two pieces style beautifully together.
The frosted satin finish, achieved through acid etching, gives the glass a soft, velvety quality quite different from the hard brilliance of clear pressed glass. The seafoam green colour — sometimes called camphor green — was enormously popular during the 1930s and was produced by both Australian and British glassmakers for the local market. The maker of this particular piece is unattributed; there are no identifying marks on the base, which is consistent with much of the commercial vanity glassware of the period. A considered addition to an Art Deco collection, a jewellery dish, or a small decorative holder on a dressing table or bathroom shelf.
A note for uranium glass collectors: this piece has been tested under UV blacklight and does not fluoresce. While many satin green glasses of this era do contain trace uranium oxide, this one does not — its colour derives from another colourant. It is a beautiful piece of Depression-era glassware on its own merits.
Details
- Maker: Unattributed (likely Australian or British, circa 1930s)
- Style: Art Deco vanity / Depression era
- Era: Circa 1930s
- Colour: Frosted satin green (camphor / seafoam green)
- Item type: Footed vanity bowl — hair receiver, posy bowl, or powder pot base
- Dimensions: 10cm opening diameter; 7.5cm tall
- Weight: 353g
- Country of Origin: Unknown
Condition
Good vintage condition. The frosted satin finish is beautifully preserved across the exterior with minimal discoloration or surface marks. There is a chip and several small fleabites located at the transitional seam where the smooth upper glass meets the lower fluted ribbing — a common point of contact damage on vanity pieces of this type. The glass is thick and the chip does not compromise the internal surface; the bowl can be positioned so the chip faces away from view. This is reflected in the price and is clearly visible in the photographs.
The photographs form part of the condition report — please review all images carefully before purchasing.
Care
Hand wash only in lukewarm water with a mild dish soap and a soft cloth. Never use abrasive scrubbing pads or harsh chemical cleaners — these will scratch or strip the delicate acid-etched frosted finish. Do not place in a dishwasher.
Every piece is carefully wrapped and packaged to ensure it arrives at your doorstep in perfect condition.
