National Depression Glass Association
Preserving America's Glass Manufacturing Heritage
Della Robia for your Christmas Table
by Glenita Stearns
Rainbow Review Glass Journal - December 1975
A Della Robia wreath has been a traditional part of the Christmas decoration for many generations, and Westmoreland was undoubtedly capitalizing on this when they first introduced their "Della Robia" pattern. The lovely arrangement of fruit and leaves encircling the Della Robia pieces seem to bring us memories of happy Christmas times any time of the year.
In the
late twenties, "Della Robia" was manufactured in amber, green and pink
(Westmoreland called their pink "Roselin"), but more often found today
is the crystal with the fruits stained in red and yellow. And fortunate
is the collector who finds Della Robia pieces with the stain in good
condition. With use, this delicate tint wears off and such items as
cups and cream pitchers are often badly scratched.
A round chocolate box, made to hold a pound of candy, is probably the item in the line hardest to find today. The pattern is found only on the lid. The 8" tall sweetmeat sits proudly on its pedestal, another hard piece to find today. The cups and saucers are seldom seen and the most avid collector of this pattern I know has only four - after five years of searching!
The 9" plates show up occasionally, but the 14" cake tray is much harder to find. The salt and pepper set delight many collectors and are snapped up whenever they appear on the market. Finger bowls and their underplates were manufactured, though today more often used for other purposes. The 13" bowl makes a lovely centerpiece, particularly when used with the 4" tall candlesticks.
Any possible size you could need was available in footed tumblers and goblets, and many Christmas tables were graced with them.
Particularly at this holiday season, Della Robia is a joy. And don't be discouraged by its relative scarcity - maybe by nest Christmas you, too, can have a piece or two of Della Robia on your table.