Orange Tree - The Story Behind The Glass
Orange Tree covered butter, blue, Fenton
|
Orange Tree punch bowl / stand, green, Fenton. Seeck Auctions
|
In the language of flowers, the orange tree stands for sweetness and generosity. It is one of the most prolific trees and is an ancient symbol of fertility and love. The British designer, William Morris, and many of his contemporaries, produced a rich variety of popular patterns that featured the orange tree in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The symbolism of the tree and its fruits and flowers was not lost on these designers, many of whose patterns bear an amazing resemblance to the later Orange Tree Carnival designs that were clearly reflecting popular taste.
The Orange Tree pattern on Carnival Glass is a Fenton speciality; indeed they made not just one version of it, but three completely different ones, as well as using it as an exterior design too! In their familiar and ever popular “standard” Orange Tree pattern, Fenton produced a wide range of shapes and colours, as well as vagaries within the design (such as flower border or tree trunk variations). Table sets, water sets, punch sets, dressing table sets, plates, wines, mugs, loving cups and a truly splendid variety of bowls were made in the Orange Tree design.
In addition to the "regular" Orange Tree pattern that was made in so many different shapes, Fenton also made two completely different patterns that used the characteristic orange tree motif: Orange Tree Scroll and Orange Tree Orchard, both of which were only made in water sets.
|
The three patterns are shown on the right for comparison. Common to all of them is the tree motif, in which the oranges are surrounded by clusters of stylised leaves giving the appearance of large, daisy-like flowers or rosettes. Orange Tree was clearly a popular seller for Fenton. We found it on offer in both the Lee Manufacturing and the Perry G Mason Mail Order catalogues in our unique "Sell it to me!" feature. Click on either image below to see these wonderful Mail Order catalogues.
|
Left to right: Orange Tree (footed), Orange Tree Orchard,
Orange Tree Scroll tumblers, all blue |
The story behind the glass is crystal clear. The orange tree motif on Carnival Glass was undoubtedly influenced and inspired by popular contemporary designs on fabrics and wallpapers. William Morris (renowned designer and founder of Morris & Co.) created the “Woodpecker” tapestry in 1885, with its delightful orange tree feature. A similar orange tree motif was used as a feature on several other works by Morris & Co., notably the “Orchard” wallpaper (1899) attributed to Morris’s chief designer J. H. Dearle. Carpets, fabrics, tapestries as well wallpapers featured these and similar designs that were clearly the inspirations behind Fenton’s splendid Orange Tree patterns.
The story behind the glass is crystal clear. The orange tree motif on Carnival Glass was undoubtedly influenced and inspired by popular contemporary designs on fabrics and wallpapers. William Morris (renowned designer and founder of Morris & Co.) created the “Woodpecker” tapestry in 1885, with its delightful orange tree feature. A similar orange tree motif was used as a feature on several other works by Morris & Co., notably the “Orchard” wallpaper (1899) attributed to Morris’s chief designer J. H. Dearle. Carpets, fabrics, tapestries as well wallpapers featured these and similar designs that were clearly the inspirations behind Fenton’s splendid Orange Tree patterns.
|
|
Above: the design inspiration is clear to see! On the left is a detail from Fenton's Orange Tree butter dish lid,
and on the right is William Morris' design of the late 1800s. Note how the Fenton design version even incorporates
an encircling border, much like the one in the Morris Orange Tree tapestry detail (source: Public Domain).
and on the right is William Morris' design of the late 1800s. Note how the Fenton design version even incorporates
an encircling border, much like the one in the Morris Orange Tree tapestry detail (source: Public Domain).
|
|
Above: On the left is "Summer", detail from a tapestry called "The Seasons" or "Orchard," woven by Morris and Company in wool, silk, and mohair on a cotton ground at Merton Abbey in 1890, designed by William Morris and John Henry Dearle. (Details from Linda Parry, William Morris Textiles.)
On the right is a detail of the Woodpecker tapestry designed by William Morris. 1885. Public Domain.
On the right is a detail of the Woodpecker tapestry designed by William Morris. 1885. Public Domain.
Footnote: Good design never wanes. The popularity of the Orange Tree designs continues today, and can be found on cushion covers, wrapping paper, diaries, aprons, fabrics, scarves and so much more.
Read more of The Stories Behind the Glass in Carnival Glass Times
Read more of The Stories Behind the Glass in Carnival Glass Times