Gooseberry
Object Name2-1/2 Quart Pyrex Nesting Casserole Dish
Designer
Philip Johnson
Manufacturer
Corning Glass Works, Charleroi
Made FromOpalware Glass
Date1957-1966
Place MadeUnited States, PA, Charleroi
TechniqueMachine-made, applied
SizeOverall H: 9.6 cm, W: 27.2 cm, Diam: 22.0 cm
Accession Number2010.4.791 A
Curatorial Area(s)
Not On View
Interpretive NotesInteresting Facts about Pattern:
- Gooseberry, along with Butterprint, was the first pattern released on the new Cinderella Mixing Bowl set.
- Gooseberry was one of the first four printed patterns release on opal Pyrex.
- Gooseberry was released in several color iterations, consisting of pink on white, white on pink, black on yellow, black on white, and a promotional version of gold on beige.
Pattern Description:
In 1957 Butterprint and Gooseberry were introduced for the opalware Pyrex line, preceded only by Snowflake and Pink Daisy. Along with Butterprint, Gooseberry was one of the first patterns debuted on the new “Cinderella Bowls.” Cinderella Bowls were a series of large nested mixing bowls with a handle or spout on each side, which were designed by John Philip Johnson.
The name Cinderella was applied to quite a few different Pyrex products from carafes to butter dishes but the spout and handle nesting bowls marked the first use of this name.
Because the Gooseberry pattern was one of two patterns first released on the new spout and handle nesting bowls, the Cinderella name has become synonymous with this type of Pyrex nesting bowl.
Most Gooseberry dishes are pink on white backgrounds or white with pink backgrounds. However, in the same year Gooseberry was released in a black pattern with either a white or yellow background. This particular color was only available in the four-piece Cinderella Bowl set and never expanded beyond that. The black patterned set was discontinued in 1962.
Rare Gooseberry with a gold pattern on beige background exists, but it is unclear whether it was offered as a promotional item, a market test item, or as an employee appreciation item. The entire Gooseberry line was discontinued in 1966.
Provenance
Source
Dianne Williams
- 2010-12-31
Corning Inc.
25 BCE-99 CE