It’s Saturday and it’s time for our weekly glass pick. This is a feature that’s fun because I get to find a favorite piece and share it with you. We all get to enjoy pictures of beautiful vintage glass. (Of course I’d like to sell the glass too, but that’s a bonus.)
This week we have one of my favorite glass pieces, the graceful Baroque shape comport from Fostoria with the Chintz etch.
Fostoria Chintz Baroque Compote Etched Elegant Crystal
I’ve always imagined people used comports (or compotes if you prefer) to hold candy or nuts at an afternoon tea. We might think about reviving the afternoon tea or coffee tradition, especially during the holidays, as it is a good way to entertain people for a short time in a pleasant, relaxing environment. My Mom had coffees every year and invited her neighbors, friends and others whom she wanted to get to know.
But what if you don’t drink tea, don’t want to host an afternoon coffee? You can still use this for candy or nuts, perhaps when your friends come for supper or to watch your favorite football team.
Another use is the more traditional one, to serve food at the table. People used comports to serve fruit that had been cooked down to make a sauce, for on top of ice cream or cake. Or you could use it to serve cubes of cheese. It’s one of those pieces that you will want to find a use for!
The other reason to enjoy this is the sheer design elegance. Fostoria had a winner with their Baroque glassware. The plates and bowls have molded fleur de lis on the sides and pieces like this comport and candle holders have the grooved wings that flare out in graceful curves. Those grooves catch the light and sparkle and the curve is perfect compliment to the shape.
Chintz must have been popular in its day as Fostoria made it for over 30 years, from 1940 to 1973. That era saw so many changes in social habits, entertaining, even in the gifts one gave a bride and groom. Americans became less formal during the 1960s into the 1970s although many still used their quality crystal and china for Sunday and any special occasion. Chintz is a happy pattern, not particularly formal or stuffy, with lots of rose flowers and leaves and vines. It transitioned well during the changing times.
This Fostoria Chintz comport is one of my favorites! I hope you like it too.
Text and photos copyright Kathy Eickholt 2013