The Butter Dish
A luminous example of postwar American pressed glass, this rectangular covered butter dish was produced by the Imperial Glass Company of Bellaire, Ohio, between 1946 and 1953. Part of the company’s renowned Candlewick line, it perfectly captures the transition from Depression-era practicality to the refinement of mid-century American design—where industrial precision met handcrafted beauty.
Introduced as part of Imperial’s postwar expansion of the Candlewick pattern, this covered butter represents one of the most collectible and enduring forms in the line.
Design & Construction
→ Pattern: Featuring Imperial’s hallmark Candlewick motif—rows of hand-applied glass beads encircling the base tray—the piece embodies the elegant geometry that made the pattern one of America’s most recognizable glass designs.
→ Form: The rectangular domed lid is topped with a ribbed teardrop finial, a distinctive feature of late-1940s to early-1950s production. Earlier Candlewick lids were rounded or knobbed; this finial’s vertical ribbing and oval shape help date the piece precisely to the postwar years.
→ Tray Design: The rectangular base with radiused corners and continuous beaded edge was first catalogued in Imperial’s 1946 marketing materials as part of their "complete table service" additions to the Candlewick line.
→ Material: Made of pressed crystal-clear soda-lime glass, fire-polished to achieve Imperial’s signature luster. Each bead around the tray was individually applied by hand before annealing—an exacting process that gave Candlewick its tactile brilliance and collectible appeal.
Dimensions
Length: 7¼"
Width: 4"
Height (with lid): 4½"
(Measurements within ¼ inch)
History & Provenance
Founded in 1901 in Bellaire, Ohio, the Imperial Glass Company quickly became one of the foremost American glass manufacturers, known for the clarity and quality of their handmade pressed and blown glass.
The Candlewick pattern debuted in 1936, but it wasn’t until after World War II that Imperial expanded the line to include new serveware—such as butter dishes, creamers, and center bowls—to appeal to the growing suburban home market. These additions, produced roughly 1946–1953, feature heavier glass and more refined fire-polishing than earlier pieces, distinguishing them as the pinnacle of Imperial’s craftsmanship.
The pattern remained in production until the company’s closure in the 1980s and remains one of the most recognizable and beloved designs in American glass history.
Condition
In excellent vintage condition, showing no chips, cracks, or discoloration. The glass is clear and bright with only minor base wear consistent with age. The beads remain crisp and well-defined—a hallmark of early production Candlewick quality.
Among collectors, the rectangular Candlewick butter dish is prized for its rarity and balanced proportions. For designers, it serves as a sculptural accent piece—equally at home in a farmhouse kitchen, a glass cabinet vignette, or a minimalist table setting. Its clarity, symmetry, and historical significance make it an enduring icon of American mid-century domestic design.
Product Details
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Maker | Imperial Glass Company |
| Origin | Bellaire, Ohio, USA |
| Year | Circa 1946–1953 |
| Pattern | Candlewick |
| Style | Postwar American / Mid-Century Traditional |
| Material | Pressed clear glass |
| Technique | Hand-applied beaded rim, fire-polished finish |
| Dimensions | 7¼” L × 4” W × 4½” H |
| Condition | Excellent, no damage or clouding |
| Provenance | Postwar Imperial production, 1946–1953 expansion line |
Why It’s Special
This Candlewick butter dish represents the peak of Imperial Glass craftsmanship—a perfect marriage of function, ornament, and light. Its postwar design details—the ribbed finial, beaded edge, and hand-finished polish—capture the optimism and artistry of American domestic design in the late 1940s. Whether used as serveware or displayed as glass sculpture, it stands as a timeless piece of mid-century elegance.