Burmese Glass: Victorian Shaded Art Glass
Burmese glass is a distinctive heat-sensitive art glass that shades from a soft salmon pink at the top to a pale custard yellow at the base, developed and patented by Frederick Shirley at the Mt. Washington Glass Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts in 1885. The unique color transition is achieved through the use of gold and uranium oxides in the glass formula. Queen Victoria was so taken with a sample that she ordered a tea set, leading to a licensing arrangement with Thomas Webb & Sons in England, who produced their own version called "Queen's Burmese."
History and Production
- 1885: Frederick Shirley patents the Burmese glass formula for Mt. Washington Glass Company
- 1886: Thomas Webb & Sons licenses the formula and begins English production as "Queen's Burmese"
- 1885-1895: Peak production period for both American and English versions
- Finish types: Produced in both glossy and satin (acid) finish; satin finish is more common and desirable
- Decoration: Many pieces feature hand-painted enamel flowers, Egyptian motifs, or gilt decoration
- Modern reproductions: Fenton Art Glass produced Burmese glass from 1970s onward (clearly marked)
Identifying Authentic Burmese
Color Characteristics
- Top portion shades to salmon pink (gold oxide reacts to reheating)
- Base color is pale yellow with a slight greenish tint (uranium oxide)
- Under UV/black light, the yellow portion fluoresces bright green due to uranium content
- Color transition should be gradual and natural, not sharp or painted
Marks and Attribution
- Mt. Washington: Rarely marked; attribution based on form, color, and decoration style
- Webb: Often marked with acid-etched "Thos Webb & Sons Queen's Burmese Ware" circular mark
- Fenton reproductions: Marked with Fenton logo; colors tend to be more vivid than period examples
Types and Forms
- Vases: The most common form; produced in numerous shapes from small bud vases to large floor vases
- Fairy lamps: Dome shades on matching saucer bases for Clarke's candle cups
- Tableware: Cruets, salt shakers, sugar shakers, toothpick holders, and condiment sets
- Tea sets: Extremely rare; the most famous is the set made for Queen Victoria
- Rose bowls: Crimped-top spherical bowls in various sizes
- Epergnes: Elaborate centerpieces with multiple flared horns
Auction Prices and Market Values
| Category | Typical Range | Exceptional Pieces |
|---|---|---|
| Small vases (4-6 inch) | $150-$400 | $800+ with fine enamel |
| Large vases (8-12 inch) | $300-$1,000 | $3,000+ for decorated |
| Fairy lamps | $300-$800 | $2,000+ for Webb marked |
| Cruets and condiment pieces | $200-$600 | $1,500+ with decoration |
| Rose bowls | $150-$400 | $1,000+ for large/decorated |
| Toothpick holders | $100-$300 | $600+ for rare forms |
| Webb Queen's Burmese (marked) | $200-$1,000 | $3,000+ for elaborate |
Condition Factors
- Satin finish integrity: Satin-finished pieces should not show worn or polished spots
- Enamel decoration: Hand-painted decoration should be intact; losses reduce value substantially
- Chips and cracks: Any damage is highly visible and value-reducing on these delicate pieces
- Color quality: Strong, well-developed pink-to-yellow shading is essential; weak or washed-out color diminishes appeal
- UV test: Genuine period Burmese fluoresces green under black light; this confirms uranium content
Collecting Tips
- Webb Queen's Burmese with the acid-etched mark commands higher prices than unmarked Mt. Washington pieces
- Decorated pieces (enameled flowers, Egyptian themes, gilt work) are significantly more valuable than plain
- Fairy lamps are the most popular form among today's collectors
- The uranium content makes Burmese glass glow beautifully under black light, a dramatic display feature
- Fenton reproductions are clearly marked and far more affordable; do not confuse with period examples
- Satin finish is more desirable than glossy finish in most forms