Beaded Block is an Imperial Glass pattern that has a lot of looks. There actually are two patterns, Frosted Block and Beaded Block, often shown together as Beaded Block (which makes sense to me since they are virtually the same).
Both have center squares surrounded by raised beads bordering each square; Frosted Block center squares are stippled, giving it a frosted look, while Beaded Block has smooth blocks. It’s an effective look that works with the lighter colors of the 1930s.
Imperial produced it during the depression era, 1927 to 1935 in green, yellow, light blue, pink, crystal, the typical colors of the era. Later they re-issued it in iridescent pink, pink and white, colors then fashionable.
Similar to the other Imperial patterns we’ve discussed in this series, Beaded Block is mainly an accessory pattern, with several bowls, a candy, pitcher, creamer and sugar, small plates, vases, but no cup or saucer and no stemware or tumbler. The largest plate is luncheon size, about 8 3/4 inches and it’s not common. The square plate shown above is salad or dessert size, about 7 3/4 inches across. There is no dinner plate or platter and the largest bowl is 7 1/2 inches, a bit on the small side for serving use.
I don’t have many photos of Beaded Block since we only have had one piece in stock – ever – and deleted the picture long ago. Deidra and I spotted a creamer while antiquing this past week and I’ve seen the occasional plate or small bowl in malls.
One interesting piece that you’ll see at depression glass shows is the pear-shaped candy jar. It’s lovely. The small plates, creamer, sugar and smaller bowls seem to be the most common, especially in crystal and green.
You might like a piece or two of Beaded Block for a pretty vintage accent – a bowl for potpourri or to float a rose – or a couple of plates for dessert. If you decide to get this you may way want to go to a depression glass show to see the full range of colors and pieces.