India and Far East

A selection of marigold vases by Jain, India. Left to right: Elephant, Fish (frosted) and Hand (right hand). 

The emerging importance of India as a producer of Carnival Glass has its origins back in 1997 when, in our publication “NetworK” we presented the story of Bob Smith’s trek to Bombay.

Our subsequent collaborative research with Bob uncovered the story of Indian Carnival Glass. Items such as the Hand and Fish vases that were once believed to have been made in Czechoslovakia were found to have been made by the Jain Glass Company in India. Following on from these revelations, more and more Indian Carnival has emerged, and indeed we can now name and attribute specific patterns to nine Indian Carnival producers (see "Carnival Glass The Magic and the Mystery”).

The Far East, however, retains more of its mystery. We know of various tumblers that were made in China and indeed, other items carry markings that suggest both Japanese and further Chinese output, but little detailed information is forthcoming.

Modern production (2007) of Carnival Glass in China is also known. Koala and Platypus patterns have been made in the style of old Australian designs; on the base of these bowls is the word “Summerland”. The exterior of the bowls features a reproduction of the Classic Australian Fern & Wattle design. Large crimped bowls in blue, purple and white are known and we understand that 500 of each were produced (making 3000 items in total). The bowls were initially issued with a paper sticker stating “Made in China”.