TABLE DECORATIONS
By Bob Mueller

Another facet of Mr. Carder’s Art Deco Era offerings and demonstration of his additional breadth of his talent is demonstrated by his table ware.

There are thirty-seven different items to choose from and then in different colors, matted (sandblasting for a soft satin finish) or not; just so many combinations to appreciate Mr. Carder’s table decorations line

These table decoration items are not merely beautiful unto themselves, but most of them will complement the other glass Mr. Carder produced. For example, they will blend in with and compliment Blue Aurene, Gold Aurene, Cintra, Cluthra, colored crystals and many more.

For example, I would get tired of just one type or color in one of my glass displays. So to perk up a display I might put in a Diving Lady or Kneeling Lady figural in among a glass grouping, and voila the display would take on a new, attractive refreshing look.

Since most of Mr. Carder’s table decorations were of the Art Deco influence they would work great with the other glass being made at that time by the likes of Lalique or Gallé.

Carder’s series of cut glass birds were cut by the workers at Steuben Glass. As the light hits the cut glass the piece becomes luminous. Put a cut pheasant in between two pieces of Blue Aurene on a shelf, add some good lighting and see how the Blue Aurene sizzles.

As you can see in the photos, I show either crystal or matted crystal pieces. But, don’t let that misguide you. As seen in other books, you might see some colored crystal color used with the table decorated pieces.

http://www.kddk.com/alans/TABLEDECORATIONS.pdf

These items was also used for was as an automobile hood decoration. The elephant lying in the center I believe was once used in the late 20’s-30’s as an automobile ornament.

Mr. Carder’s table decorations just were one more facet of his enormous capacity of creativity capability. When I look at all the different eras Mr. Carder passed through and excelled at, while at the helm of Steuben Glass, and then the additional scope of his work as demonstrated by things such as his table decorations I can only conclude he was historically one of the greatest master of art glass.

(Ed. You may enjoy an article of Bob Mueller’s published in April/May 2001 issue of Glass Collector’s magazine.)

http://www.kddk.com/alans/Muellerarticle.pdf

Bob Mueller
May 15, 2009
Osseo , MN