Peachblow: Shaded Art Glass Inspired by Chinese Ceramics
Peachblow is a type of American art glass produced in the 1880s-1890s, characterized by a gradual color shading that mimics the subtle tones of Chinese peach bloom glazed porcelain. Several competing American glass companies each developed their own version of peachblow, making it one of the most desirable categories of Victorian art glass. The name derives from the famous 1886 sale of a Chinese peach bloom vase from the Mary Morgan collection for the then-staggering sum of $18,000, which inspired glassmakers to create affordable imitations.
Types by Manufacturer
| Maker | Trade Name | Colors | Surface | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobbs, Brockunier (Wheeling, WV) | Coral / Wheeling Peachblow | Red to yellow, amber lining | Glossy or satin | 1886-1891 |
| New England Glass Co. (Cambridge, MA) | Wild Rose | Rose pink to white | Glossy or satin | 1886-1888 |
| Mt. Washington Glass Co. (New Bedford, MA) | Peach Blow | Pale blue-gray to pink | Satin | 1886-1888 |
| Thomas Webb & Sons (England) | Peach Bloom | Red to cream | Satin, often with gold | 1885-1890s |
| Gundersen / Pairpoint (New Bedford, MA) | Peachblow | Pink to white | Glossy or satin | 1930s-1950s |
Identification
- Wheeling Peachblow has a distinctive white glass lining and shades from deep red/mahogany at top to yellow at base
- New England Wild Rose shades from deep rose to white and is a single-layer homogeneous glass
- Mt. Washington Peach Blow has a unique blue-gray to pale pink gradation, unlike the others
- Satin (acid-etched) finishes are more common than glossy on most types
- No maker's marks; identification is by color, form, and construction
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Wheeling Peachblow Morgan vase shape, glossy | $3,000-$12,000 |
| Wheeling Peachblow cruet or sugar | $1,500-$5,000 |
| New England Wild Rose vase, satin | $500-$2,000 |
| New England Wild Rose tumbler | $300-$800 |
| Mt. Washington Peach Blow vase | $800-$3,500 |
| Webb Peach Bloom vase with gold decoration | $400-$1,500 |
| Gundersen Peachblow vase (20th c.) | $150-$600 |
| Wheeling Peachblow pitcher, glossy | $5,000-$15,000+ |
Condition Factors
- Peachblow glass is relatively fragile; chips and cracks are common
- Satin finish should be even and undamaged; worn or polished areas reduce value
- Interior staining on lined pieces (Wheeling) can be difficult to remove
- Gold decoration on Webb pieces should be examined for wear
- Color intensity matters enormously; vivid, well-graduated examples outperform pale or muddy ones
- Gundersen/Pairpoint reproductions from the 1930s-1950s are period pieces in their own right but worth significantly less than 1880s originals
Collecting Tips
- Wheeling Peachblow in the Morgan vase form is the most iconic shape and commands the highest prices
- Glossy-finish Wheeling pieces are rarer and more valuable than satin-finish examples
- New England Wild Rose offers beautiful color at more accessible prices than Wheeling
- Mt. Washington Peach Blow is the rarest type and often overlooked by collectors focused on the pink-red varieties
- Be cautious of modern reproductions; Fenton and others produced peachblow-type glass in the late 20th century
- Pairs of matching vases or complete table sets are extremely rare and bring strong premiums