J is for Jadeite

In my early 20s, MyMama went on a Fenton Art Glass kick. She gave each of us our own collection. Mine was this beautiful jade, creamy green color (basket and shoe). About that time, I also lived in Hoboken, NJ, for a short time and ate at a diner that had Fire-King restaurant ware. I fell even more in love with the gorgeous minty green color and smooth glass look.

I dreamed of my some-day kitchen in white panelled walls and this pop of green as the rain splashed the windows and I sipped my morning coffee from a lovely light green mug. On a mission to build my dream one piece or so at a time, I would go to the various home stores in search of my perfect pattern. It wasn't until I started to do a little research that I learned that the dishes of my desire were collectibles. Their story of freebies to collectibles made my desire for them even greater.

Wikipedia (I know...I am a horrible example of a former English teacher) states, "Fire-King was originally produced in the 1940s for everyday use, rather than display. It was often sold in bags of flour as a promotional item or was given away at gas stations. Fire-King could also be purchased at local grocery and hardware stores. Several varieties of Fire King dishes were made; nesting bowls, dessert bowls, glass beverage containers, casserole dishes, mugs and more. The antique bowls, or nesting bowls, produced by the Anchor Hocking Company are a very popular collector’s item. The Fire King bowls are actually vintage and not yet antique bowls. But despite this fact these bowls are one of the most sought after collectible dishes."

Just a few years shy of my 40th, I have spent almost 20 years searching for these treasures and have NEVER purchased a single piece. Pathetic, right!?! The problem there is dreams and reality and expense...don't try to figure it out...it will make you sad. I am not an antiquer, but I sometimes find myself roaming around re-sale shops in search of the light green cast to catch my eye and draw me to the treasure I seek. I recently found a complete dessert bowl and plate set for $510 (16 pieces), the rooster candy dish ($65), the pedestal bowl ($114), and the FLOUR shaker ($125) at an antique mall in Dallas. I have found the sites online that sell replacements and found pieces. Once I start actually buying and quit dreaming of having a collection, I might supplement my finds.

My Homemaking Heroes love Jadeite too. Check out their collections: The Pioneer Woman and Martha Stewart.