Baskets and flowers, what’s not to like? I can think of several basket-themed patterns – Lorain depression glass, Tiffin Adam, and today’s wonderful pattern, Florentine from Fostoria. These three patterns overlapped in time, although Adam was first produced and Florentine the last.
The first pieces of Fostoria Florentine I saw were the footed tumblers. A while later Dave and I went to an estate sale and bought a set of Florentine goblets. Sadly we didn’t check them carefully and yes, most were badly chipped. That set is long gone.
Florentine isn’t your in-every-antique-mall stemware. Fostoria made it for ten years, 1933 to 1943, but it must not have been as plentiful as patterns that we see more often. That’s unfortunate because it’s lovely. The design features a tall urn with flowers overflowing the top and swags cascading off the side.
The other reason I like Florentine so much is the shape. Take a good look at this goblet. See how the stem is melon shaped? Instead of the typical flat six sided stem this is rounded with vertical grooves. The bowl of the goblet has a sophisticated inward curve right at the top. It isn’t curved so much that the goblet is hard to use, just enough that your eye sees it even while you don’t notice when drinking. The footed tumblers have the same slight cupped curve – very nice and so unusual.
Fostoria Florentine isn’t so well known as it deserves. I hope this post helps others see the beauty in this elegant basket etched crystal.