Cambridge Heliotrope Glass Footed Compote w. Under Plate (1920's-1930's)

Right out of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Great Gatsby" and those amazing Roaring Twenties!

This beautiful Art Deco style Cambridge Heliotrope Footed Compote with Under-plate is a real find these days, given their limited production by Cambridge. Several European glass manufacturers, like Loetz, experimented with Heliotrope in the early 1900's but it was often called "Mauve" in their various languages. "Helio," the original brand name is a type of glassware produced by Cambridge Glass beginning in 1923.

The color of Helio — named after the Heliotrope flower — has been described as part of the purple family and has been compared to the colors lavender or mauve. We believe it is more "mauve" than "lavender" because this piece seems to have a bit more pink overtones. Heliotrope also falls into the category of opaque glass, however the color changes depending on the light source. The variation of purple does vary between pieces but the color of this special item (two pieces with bowl and lid) is consistent within the piece itself.

The Heliotrope is an attractive old-fashioned, renaissance flowering plant symbolic of personal and cultural events. The most popular Heliotrope flower meaning is eternal love and devotion, inspired by a Greek myth from the 16th century. It can also symbolize acceptance, forgiveness, faith, and salvation.

This Compote with Under-plate is an example of how light affects our perception of its color. Is it Lavender? Pink? Purple? Mauve? There is a delicate opalescent finial on the Cover of the Dish, making it stylish yet simplistic in its design.

The Compote itself, with Under-plate, weighs about a 1.5 lbs. and the glass is thick. There is minor and unnoticeable wear on the underneath side of the Under-plate, and our overall impression is that the set is in near-mint condition and beauty. It is about 4 inches across and 5 inches high.

Add this piece to your collection — or use it for serving items of whatever sort. It will not last long in this sought-after Heliotrope collectors' market. Check out our other Heliotrope pieces as well... they make for a stunning table arrangement taken together.