Jasmine flowers are known for their sweet, exotic fragrance and delicate white petals These flowers are highly symbolic in Indian culture and commonly used in weddings, religious ceremonies, and other celebrations. If you’re looking to purchase fresh jasmine flowers for a special occasion or just to brighten up your home, it’s nice to know you can find these gorgeous blooms right in your local area.
Hen on nest dishes have become increasingly popular among antique collectors over the years. These vintage ceramic pieces depicting hens sitting on their nests were produced from the late 1800s through the 1970s. While most hen on nest dishes sell for reasonable prices some rare and antique examples can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auction.
A Brief History of Hen on Nest Dishes
Hen on nest dishes first became popular in the late 19th century. At the time, they were primarily used as novelty containers for condiments like mustard, ketchup, salt, and pepper The image of a mother hen tending her eggs held nostalgic, domestic appeal
Some of the earliest hen on nests were made in Germany by famous porcelain makers like Meissen and Rosenthal. American companies like McCoy, Hull, Red Wing, and Shawnee also produced hen on nest dishes. The heyday for these novelty ceramics was from the 1920s through the 1950s.
After WWII, interest in hen on nest collectibles started to decline. However, in the 1970s, interest was renewed by antique collectors. Since then, certain rare hen on nest pieces have skyrocketed in value.
What Makes a Valuable Hen on Nest Dish?
There are several factors that determine the value of a vintage hen on nest collectible
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Age – The earliest hen on nests from the late 1800s and early 1900s tend to be the most prized by collectors. Pieces from sought-after makers like Meissen can sell for thousands.
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Condition – As with most antiques, pristine condition greatly increases value. Chips, cracks, and paint loss will negatively affect price.
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Color – Unusual, vibrant glazes like bright blues or greens tend to be worth more than common colors like brown or white. Figurals with additional decorative details also command higher prices.
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Rarity – Hen on nest dishes made by obscure, regional American potteries in small quantities are worth more than mass-produced pieces. Unique shapes and designs are also more valuable.
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Maker’s Mark – Pieces that are cleanly marked with the manufacturer’s name or logo are preferred over unmarked examples. Marks help authenticate and trace age.
The Most Valuable and Rare Hen on Nest Pieces
With those factors in mind, here are some of the most valuable and rare hen on nest collectibles that have sold at auction:
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A 9-inch Meissen hen on nest dish from the late 1800s featuring intricate naturalistic detailing and brilliant cobalt blue glaze sold for $7,500 in 2013.
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A 7-inch Red Wing stoneware hen on nest with green and yellow drip glaze marked with the company’s trademark sold for $2,300 in 2016. Only a handful of marked Red Wing hen on nest pieces exist.
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A 5-inch William A. Rogers hammered copper hen on nest from the 1920s with silver overlay sold for $2,200 in 2018. The dimensional, hand-hammered copper makes this piece especially unique.
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A 4-inch Pennsylvania Redware earthenware nest with three individually molded white hens dated 1840 sold for $1,800 in 2008. Extremely rare early American figural dishes like this are highly sought by collectors.
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A 5-inch Moorcroft art pottery hen on nest vase with lustrous glazes from the 1930s sold for $1,600 in 2011. Moorcroft pieces are known for their hand-painted, Art Nouveau-inspired designs.
Tips for Collecting Valuable Hen on Nest Pieces
For new collectors interested in seeking out treasured hen on nest antiques, here are some useful tips:
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Study different styles and makers so you can readily identify rare pieces when antique hunting.
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Check markings on the bottom to authenticate age and manufacturer. Unmarked pieces are harder to accurately date and value.
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Carefully inspect condition. Look for any damage that could decrease worth like chips, cracks, paint loss, or repairs.
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Vivid, unusual colors are more likely to command high prices than commonplace white or brown glazes.
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Focus on finding early pieces from the late 1800s to early 1900s, as they tend to be the most valuable.
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Be prepared to pay a premium for hen on nests by designers like Meissen, Weller, Roseville, and others. Their works are highly collected.
With their nostalgic charm and intricate designs, it’s easy to see why rare hen on nest dishes have become such coveted antiques. For the knowledgeable collector, the thrill of discovering a valuable early American or German piece makes the search well worth it.
The Significance of Jasmine in Indian Culture
In India, jasmine flowers (also known as ‘chameli’ or ‘mallige’) have tremendous cultural importance. They are considered sacred flowers in Hinduism and are often used to adorn deities in temples. Jasmine garlands and loose flowers are ubiquitous at Indian weddings – the bride and groom exchange and wear jasmine garlands during the ceremony. The flowers represent purity, fertility and auspiciousness for the couple’s new beginning. After religious ceremonies, festivals and celebrations, devotees will shower jasmine petals on the deities’ statues or idols as an offering.
The sweet scent of jasmine is also believed to have healing and calming properties in Ayurvedic medicine. Indians will often string the flowers together to make fragrant jasmine garlands to wear in their hair. So you can see why having access to fresh jasmine is so integral for Indian diaspora communities abroad. With the proper care the blooms can stay fresh for up to a week after purchase.
What to Look for When Buying Jasmine
When you source your jasmine flowers, there are some key indicators of quality and freshness to look out for:
- Tightly closed buds – Avoid flowers that are already open and blooming; tighter buds last longer.
- Bright white petals – Jasmine blooms should be bright, pure white. Yellowing or wilting suggests age.
- Intact blooms – Flowers should be intact on the stem, not crushed or damaged.
- Ample fragrance – Fresh jasmine is highly fragrant. Give flowers a sniff to check aroma.
- No browning – Leaves and buds should be vibrant green with no browning.
- Good stem length – Longer stems allow more flexibility for arranging and decorating.
- Proper storage – Seller should store flowers chilled and in water to maintain freshness.
Hen on Nest: The History, Popular Colors & Glass, and Value
FAQ
How much is the hen on nest worth?
The average value of hen on nest glass is $33.21. Sold comparables range in price from a low of $0.99 to a high of $140.05.
How to identify an Indiana Glass hen on a nest?
What were hens on nests used for?
*** Hen on nest glass dishes originated in the 1860s as cheaper alternatives to European ceramic hen dishes. They were popular and were used to package condiments like mustard.
How long do hens stay on nests?
How Long Will a Hen Stay Broody? The hen will stay broody for around 21 days to complete her nesting cycle. That is how long it takes to hatch a clutch of fertilized eggs.