Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
A producer of hand-blown glass since 1893, Blenko Glass is currently headquartered in Milton, West Virginia, where it has operated since 1921. Among its many illustrious projects are the stained-glass windows it produced for St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Washington National Cathedral. Blenko is known today for the brilliant colors of its glass vessels and objects—particularly those produced in the 1950s and ’60s—which range from jewel-like blues and greens to brilliant reds and yellows.
The company was founded by William J. Blenko, an English immigrant who was apprenticed to a glassmaker in his native London as a young man. Blenko developed expertise in the production of rondels, the round panes used in stained glass windows. His interest in the potential of natural gas to fire glass furnaces led him to Milton, where abundant reserves of the fuel had attracted a pool of skilled glassblowers. Under the name Eureka Glass, his company began making window glass in 1923, and in 1925, he was joined in the business by his son, William H. Blenko.
When the Great Depression quelled demand for stained glass, William J. Blenko brought local Milton glassblowers into the company to begin producing stem- and tableware, products for which the company, which changed its name to Blenko in 1930, is now best known. Up until the end of World War II, Blenko’s tableware designs were fairly straightforward, and they sold well at American department such as Gump’s, in San Francisco. The company was also commissioned in 1930 to produce a line of reproductions for Colonial Williamsburg.
In 1947, the company hired as its art director Winslow Anderson, who introduced artful, fanciful and modern vessels and objects in vibrant colors. This began what collectors refer to as Blenko’s “historic period.” A number of Anderson’s designs were honored by the Museum of Modern Art’s Good Design Awards in 1950, and throughout the 1950’s and ‘60s, the company enjoyed robust sales and critical acclaim. The forms Blenko produced during this period followed the contemporary vogue for biomorphism, or organic modernism, which favored rounded and fluid shapes inspired by nature.
One of Blenko’s most influential designers, Wayne Husted, who was active from 1953 to ’63, is credited with aligning Blenko’s products with the prevailing mid-century modern aesthetic by pushing the envelope on both form and color, particularly in his wedge-cut and Spool decanters and his Echoes series. Joel Philip Myers, who designed for Blenko in the 1960s, brought a sense of whimsy and visual excess to the product line, in keeping with the psychedelic look favored during the period.
Blenko Glass still produces many of its classic designs in items ranging from stemware and tableware to decorative objects and ornamental decanters. Among collectors, pieces created under Husted’s creative direction are of special interest. The company has come to the attention of younger audiences through the documentaries Blenko: Hearts of Glass and Blenko Retro: Three Designers of American Glass, both of which aired on PBS. Blenko also designed the glass award trophy for the Country Music Awards.
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Creator: Blenko
Monumental Blenko Decanter with Stopper design 6732-L Artist Joel Philip Myers
By Joel Philip Myers, Blenko Glass
Located in Buffalo, NY
Extremely rare Blenko decanter with stopper, design #6732-L.... Designed by Artist Joel Philip Myers, This piece was only produced for 1 year, 1967 -1968, There's only one That i am ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass
Green Blenko Vase with Air Bubbles, 1950s
By Blenko Glass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Green Blenko Vase with Air Bubbles.
circa 1950s.
Great green color.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass
Mid-Century Blenko Crackle Glass Footed Fish Sculpture
By Blenko Glass
Located in Miami, FL
Midcentury blenko crackle glass footed fish sculpture.
Offered 1960s clear crackle-glass footed fish vessel from Blenko. The hand blown fish is...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Blown Glass
Rare Wayne Husted for Blenko "Kitty" Cat Bottle with Stopper
By Wayne Husted, Blenko Glass
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare Wayne Husted for Blenko cat bottle with stopper.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass
Mid-Century Modern Wayne Husted Glass Decanter for Blenko
By Wayne Husted, Blenko Glass
Located in San Antonio, TX
Mid-century modern glass decanter by Wayne Husted for Blenko. Wayne Husted was the most prolific Blenko designer and is often credited as the most talented and popular of the Blenko designers. This vintage glass decanter...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass
Blenko Rare 588 "Rocket" Decanter, Designed by Wayne Husted
By Blenko Glass
Located in East Hampton, NY
This is a wonderful example of mid-century modern Blenko architectural decanter 30 inches height, which is the 588, designed by Wayne Husted
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass
Original Blenko Mid-Century Modern Handmade Transparent & Swirl Art Glass Vase
By Blenko Glass
Located in Miami, FL
Marked Blenko Mid-Century Modern handmade Art glass vase made in America 1980.
Blown swirls in burgundy color over transparent glass.
Foil label at the top.
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass
Clear blenko pitcher
By Blenko Glass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Classic blenko pitcher. This one is dated 2004. It has the original blenko sticker. These pitchers are great for serving, they can be grabbed and poured by either side.
Measures:...
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
Big Blenko Blown Blue Glass Vase
By Blenko Glass
Located in Rochester, NY
Large scale Blenko blown glass vase w/ beautiful blue color and great sculptural form. Circa 1960's.
Measures - 20 1/4" high x 9" wide x 7 1/2" diameter at top.
Look at all pictur...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Blown Glass
Blenko Mid-Century Modern Blue Glass Pitcher
By Blenko Glass
Located in New York, NY
Blenko Mid-Century Modern blue hand-blown glass pitcher, unmarked. Measures: 13" height x 8" diameter.
Category
Late 20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
1980s Blenko Purple Paper Bag Blown Art Glass Vase American Mid-Century Modern
By Blenko Glass
Located in Miami, FL
Purple Blenko sculptural Paper Bag blown art glass vase, vessel, geometric shape made in America 1980.
The sculptural purple transparent glass body look...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass
Wayne Husted for Blenko Vintage Rare Purple Glass Vase with Nipple Protrusions
By Blenko Glass, Wayne Husted
Located in North Miami, FL
This rare and obscure signed Blenko vase or vessel is a luscious color of light purple. It was designed by Wayne Husted for Blenko and was most likely an...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Blown Glass
Mid Century Modern Blenko Tangerine Art Glass Decanter, Winslow Anderson #49
By Blenko Glass
Located in New York, NY
Vibrant vintage MCM tangerine Blenko art glass decanter.
Designed by Winslow Anderson, 1970's.
Very good condition
Hand blown intense orange-red to clear at the trefoil top.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass
Pair of Blenko Art Glass Decanters
By Blenko Glass
Located in Norton, MA
A pair of Blenko charcoal crackle glass decanters with charcoal crackle stoppers, circa 1950s.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
Pair of Vintage Blenko Glass Vases, circa 1960's
By Blenko Glass
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Pair of vintage Blenko glass vases, circa 1960's. Hand-blown aquamarine glass. Distinctive shape that mimics a paper bag. Original label. Ble...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Blown Glass
Pair of Blenko Green Glass Decanters
By Blenko Glass
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 1970s Blenko green glass decanters with elaborate decoration. Hand blown with elaborate stoppers.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
Blenko Decanter Designed by Joel Myers
By Blenko Glass
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Great green and clear glass Blenko decanter. This beautiful piece was designed in 1968 by Joel Myers. Notice how the stopper has the clear and green gl...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Blown Glass
Vintage Blenko Art Glass Vase Pitcher
By Blenko Glass
Located in Chicago, IL
A Vintage Blenko Art Glass vase pitcher. Attributed to Wayne Husted.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass
Three Vases by Joel Myers, Model No. 6427 for Blenko
By Blenko Glass, Joel Myers
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Three Joel Myers colored glass vases, model no. 6427, 1960s. Manufactured by Blenko. The tallest vase is 23.75" high and 2.75" diameter. The smaller vases are about 21.5" high and 2....
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Blown Glass
Original Blenko Mid-Century Modern Mint Green Art Glass Bowl, Centerpiece 1980
By Blenko Glass
Located in Miami, FL
Marked Blenko Mid-Century Modern handmade Art Glass Bowl made in America 1980.
Can be used as serving bowl or centerpiece.
Foil label at the bowl.
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass
Pair of Crystal Penguins by Blenko
By Blenko Glass
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of crystal penguins by Blenko. They measure about 13.5" high and 5" diameter.
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Crystal
Blenko Art Glass Mushroom Candlestick
By Blenko Glass
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Art glass mushroom candlestick by Blenco, circa 1975
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
Three Vases by Joel Myers, Model No. 6427 for Blenko
By Blenko Glass, Joel Myers
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Three Joel Myers colored glass vases, model no. 6427, 1960s. Manufactured by Blenko. The tallest vase is 23.5" high and 2.75" diameter. The smaller vases are 22" and 21.75" high, 2.7...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Blown Glass
Pair of Vases by Joel Myers, Model No. 6427 for Blenko
By Blenko Glass, Joel Myers
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of Joel Myers colored glass vases, model no. 6427, 1960s. Manufactured by Blenko. The tallest vase is 24.25" high and 2.75" diameter. The smaller vase is about 21.75" high and 2...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Blown Glass
Mid-Century Modern Black Glass Champagne / Wine Bucket by Blenko
By Blenko Glass
Located in Nantucket, MA
Mid-Century Modern champagne / wine cooler or ice bucket in the form of a black glass top hat made by Blenko of West Virginia.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
Blown Glass Amberina Tangerine Jug Designed by John Nickerson for Blenko
By Blenko Glass, John Nickerson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Blown glass jug designed by John Nickerson and manufactured by Blenko. This design first appeared in the 1972 Blenko catalog as model number 7226S. Large size and attractive amberina...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Blown Glass
Large Blenko Crackle Pitcher by Wayne Husted
By Blenko Glass
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A large hand blown art glass pitcher in tangerine and ruby with the crackle textured pattern produced under the Blenko Glass company designed by Wayne Husted.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Blown Glass
Lidded Glass Jar Designed by John Nickerson for Blenko
By Blenko Glass, John Nickerson
Located in New York, NY
Nice lidded vessel in blue crackle glass designed by John Nickerson, produced by Blenko. This example is in perfect condition, it is an uncommon blu...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass
Vintage Pair Blenko Amoeba Tangerine Glass Candleholders
By Blenko Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of vintage Blenko Amoeba Glass Candleholders in Tangerine. The beautiful freeform and color of these catapults them to sculptures. The joyo...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
Midcentury Blenko Charcoal Grey Crackle Glass Decanter with Stopper, Circa 1950
By Blenko Glass
Located in New York, NY
ATA1433
A Blenko charcoal crackle glass decanter with clear crackle glass stopper. Due to the antique nature of this fixture, there may be some nicks ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Blown Glass, Glass, Art Glass
Tall American 1960s Hand-Blown Apple-Green Glass Decanter by Blenko Glassworks
By Blenko Glass
Located in San Francisco, CA
A tall and striking American 1960s handblown apple-green decanter by Blenko Glassworks; the bulbous shaped body with long neck of heavy handblown glass fitted with a solid glass stop...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Blenko Large Pinched Vase in Bright Blue, Mint Condition
By Blenko Glass
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Beautiful blue tall cylindrical pinched vase with Blenko acid etched signature.
Measures 12 ½ inches tall. The angular top measures 6 3/4" x 5 5/8" wide....
Category
Mid-20th Century Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
Blenko Ashtray 1960s Midcentury Brutalist Glass
By Blenko Glass
Located in New York, NY
1960s midcentury Blenko clear glass ashtray. Brutalist texture and design. Still retains original marking sticker. Excellent condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass
1960s Blenko Tangerine Mid-Century Modern Footed Bowl
By Blenko Glass
Located in Pasadena, CA
Blenko tangerine footed bowl. Measures 10.5" by 8.5". In very good vintage condition.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Blown Glass
Mid-Century Modern Handcrafted Marked Blenko Thick Clear Glass Owl Bookends
By Blenko Glass
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern handcrafted Blenko thick glass owl bookends.
Original label on back of each.
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Blown Glass
Massive Yellow Glass "Leo the Lion" Zodiac Ashtray by Blenko
By Blenko Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
Massive and very heavy yellow glass "Leo the Lion" zodiac sign ashtray by Blenko, circa 1960s. Very impressive piece in excellent condition with no chips ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
Collection of Large Blenko Glass Pieces
By Blenko Glass
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A collection of large, red-orange Blenko pieces, largest measuring 33.25" H.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Set of Two Large Scale Blenko, Clear Glass Decanters
By Blenko Glass
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This stylish set will make the perfect addition to your bar, kitchen or perhaps to collect your sea-glass from your summer by the sea.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
Ruffled Shape Blenko Bowl
By Blenko Glass
Located in Buchanan, NY
Blenko glass bowl with ruffled design, composed of light yellow glass with bubble inclusions. Very good vintage condition.
Ref #: H0506-07
Dimensions: 7.5"H x 14.25"Diameter
Category
20th Century American Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Art Glass
Mid-Century Blenko Amberina Blown Glass "Bubble" Vase by Wayne Husted
By Wayne Husted, Blenko Glass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Blown glass vase designed in 1961 by Wayne Husted for Blenko (model number 6041). Attractive 'bubble' pattern throughout and brilliant amberina / tangerine palette with red and yello...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Blown Glass
Blenko serveware, ceramics, silver and glass for sale on 1stDibs.
Blenko serveware, ceramics, silver and glass are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of glass and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Blenko serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original serveware, ceramics, silver and glass by Blenko were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider serveware, ceramics, silver and glass by Libbey Glass Co., Dorothy Thorpe, and Steuben Glass. Prices for Blenko serveware, ceramics, silver and glass can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at £42 and can go as high as £4,407, while a piece like these, on average, fetch £521.
Creators Similar to Blenko
Questions About Blenko Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
- How do I identify a Blenko lamp?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Identifying a Blenko lamp often comes down to studying the forms and shapes of authentic Blenko lamps and comparing similar pieces. Since the majority of Blenko glass lamps will no longer have the sticker that was used for identification, you can look at books that are basically reprints of the annual Blenko catalogue, visit a collector-run website, or have a professional assessor look at it. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Blenko lamps from top sellers worldwide.
- What type of glass is Blenko?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Blenko glass is hand-blown sheet glass that is used for stained glass windows or architectural glass. The Blenko Glass Company is most recognized for their work with the St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. Shop a wide selection of Blenko glass goods on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To know if glassware is Blenko glass, you will likely need to seek the help of a licensed appraiser. Blenko did not sign most pieces and did not create specific patterns. As a result, it is usually not possible to identify Blenko glass using only online resources. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted Blenko glassware.
- Is Blenko glass still made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Blenko glass is still made. The Blenko Glass Company produces their products at a company-owned factory in Milton, West Virginia. It opened in 1921 and is well known for producing decorative bottles, bowls and vases. Find a selection of Blenko glass on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022West Virginia-based Blenko Glass Company made its beloved jewel-toned, hand-blown glass lamps from 1947 through 1963. The company, established in 1893, has operated out of Milton, WV, since 1921, and started out producing glass vases and decanters. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Blenko pieces from top sellers worldwide.