IVRENE
By Bob Mueller

Ivrene was one of the last types of glass Mr. Carder would create in his 1903-1932 “run” at Steuben Glass. Ivrene would also be one of the few types of colored glass continued in production after 1932 when Mr. Carder was moved upstairs, where he would then make some of his greatest creation in glass yet to come. E.g. Cire Perdue and Diatreta

The late 1920’ was the height of the “Art Deco Era” and Frederick Carder ruled. Enter center stage with his most beautiful, attractive and ‘sexy’ type of glass, his iridescent white “Ivrene”. Mr. Carder’s vases, bowls, candlesticks and compotes would have great public appeal with a new and crisp look from Steuben Glass.

Ivrene has some similarity to Verre de Soie. They both have that soft iridescent appeal to the human eye, but Ivrene being a solid color makes it stand out more prominently.

With Grotesque shapes, double candelabras (cat. No. 7563), compotes that used a hooked stem as it support, shell shaped bowls and lily Vases, would be just a few examples of how Mr. Carder applied his new Ivrene. The glass would stand out with such boldness; people now days like me deeply appreciate it.

When Mr. Carder decided to use some type of decoration on his Ivrene it would be a very simple one. No razzle dazzle, just a slim applied color at the top edge of the piece would be just the perfect finishing touch.

One other item in the short life of Ivrene glass was it was still being advertised in magazines as late as 1936. In 1932 most Steuben glass in production would come to a stop as Steuben glass eliminated colored glass and produced their new formula of brilliant clear crystal. However, Ivrene would still be made up until to 1936. Shown below is an ad placed in House Beautiful’s February 1936 issue. This ad features a cornucopia vase and urn, both in Ivrene. Note, if a customer wishes they can order these items in crystal. How would any of you like to pay $6 for the cornucopia or $7.50 for the urn?

Bob Mueller
Osseo , Minnesota
July 27, 2009