Maize: Libbey's Distinctive Corn-Shaped Art Glass

Maize is a pattern of art glass designed to resemble ears of corn, with molded kernels forming the body of the vessel and applied or molded green glass husks wrapping the base. Developed by Joseph Locke and produced by the Libbey Glass Company (formerly the New England Glass Company) beginning in 1889, Maize glass was produced in several color variations and was one of the more commercially ambitious American art glass lines of the late 19th century. The pattern was also produced by the W.L. Libbey Company and later acquired by Cambridge Glass, which used some of the molds.

Identification

Maize glass is unmistakable in form due to its corn-kernel molded body:

• Body: Molded to simulate rows of corn kernels in a realistic pattern
• Husks: Applied or molded green-tinted glass leaves wrapping the lower portion of the vessel
• Colors: Produced in opaque creamy ivory (most common), clear, pale yellow, and occasionally blue
• Husk colors: Green is standard; gold-tinted and blue husks exist and are rarer
• Forms: Celery vases, tumblers, salt and pepper shakers, syrup pitchers, sugar shakers, cruets, condiment sets, butter dishes, finger bowls, and table sets
• Marks: Generally unmarked; identification is by the distinctive pattern

Forms and Variations

• Celery vase: The most commonly found form, approximately 6.5 inches tall
• Tumbler: Standard drinking glass size with corn-kernel body
• Salt and pepper shakers: With original metal tops
• Sugar shaker (muffineer): Tall shaker with metal lid
• Syrup pitcher: With metal spring-lid top
• Cruet: With original stopper
• Condiment set: Salt, pepper, and mustard on a glass tray
• Butter dish: Covered form with corn-kernel cover and base

Auction Price Ranges

Condition Factors

The molded corn-kernel surface makes Maize glass susceptible to chipping at the raised kernel edges. Metal lids and tops on syrup pitchers, sugar shakers, and salt shakers should be original and functioning. Replacement tops reduce value by 25-40%. The applied green husks should be intact and firmly attached; damaged or missing husks severely impact value. The opaque ivory body should be clean without staining or discoloration. Check for hairline cracks, which can be hidden in the textured surface. Original stoppers for cruets must match in color and quality.

Collecting Tips

Maize glass is a well-defined, finite collecting category that appeals to both art glass collectors and Americana enthusiasts. The distinctive corn motif makes it one of the most recognizable American art glass patterns. Rare color variations (blue body, gold husks) bring significant premiums over the standard ivory with green husks. Complete table settings are virtually impossible to assemble but make an impressive display. Focus on pieces with original metal hardware (lids, tops, spring mechanisms), as replacements are common and significantly affect value. The Corning Museum of Glass and the Toledo Museum of Art hold reference examples. Authentication is relatively straightforward due to the unique molded pattern, though some modern reproductions exist in lighter weight glass with less refined mold detail.