Today I’m sharing antique hen on nests for a Vintage Easter Joys blog hop! I’m joining 11 other bloggers and we are sharing vintage Easter in our homes! A big thank you to Amber at Follow the Yellow Brick Home for arranging this hop! If you are coming from Jann at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson, welcome!
Antique hen on nests began in the late 1700s and were made by Staffordshire and Dresden. The original form came from China but became popularized in Europe (like, everything, it seems!).
The Victorians were all about the animals so they were mass produced in pressed glass in the late 1800s to keep up with the demand! In the 20th century, many American companies, such as Westmoreland and Fenton started producing these and turned them into the beloved kitschy classic. They also come in version of milk glass, carnival glass, ironstone, and majolica.
This one below is antique Staffordshire. Notice the glazed paint. The antique glazed ones are generally Staffordshire. (Do you see the little chick under the wing? So cute!)
This one below is German. It is bisque. In general, the bisque ones are from Germany.
This white one below is ironstone. It comes from Scotland – specifically from Jon Thomson and Sons in Glasgow, circa 1860-1880.
This lustrous black glazed hen on nest is called Jackfield Staffordshire. Jackfield was most popular in the 1750s but there was a revival in the late 1870s. This one is late 1800s. Jackfield has this dark black (lead!) glaze.
The one below is German – it is bisque. The one above and below I had a hard time getting pictures of because they roost (hehe!) high up on my kitchen over the range.
Sometimes you can still find them with their inserts still in them. This one above still has its insert in it!
They were originally used to serve eggs or butter. This one is for eggs. Hen on nests may not be what you traditionally think of for Easter decor, but I thought… why aren’t they more popular for Easter? They were meant to hold your eggs!
Hope you enjoyed seeing how I feather my nest with antiques this Easter! If you missed it, I shared my Easter Bunny Table and French Farmhouse Easter tour. Also, on Friday please be sure to stop by and add your on Easter posts for the weekend link party!
Now hop on over to Linda’s Itsy Bits and Pieces to see her fabulous vintage Easter decor!
source about hen on nests, source for info about Jackfield Staffordshire
What a lovely collection of vintage hens you have! I love how you’ve displayed them! Have a blessed Easter, Cecilia @ My Thrift Store Addiction
What an amazing collection of sweet hens you have! I truly adore your mudroom built in. Have a lovely Easter!
What a wonderful collection! I have a couple of colored glass ones, but these are so very unique. I enjoyed the details on each and every one!
hugs,
Jann
I love your back entry! And love your collection of antique hen on nests. I’ve sold white milkglass and glass ones in the past but never kept any for myself. I love your colorful ones! Your photography is beautiful! So glad to be introduced to your site!
What a beautiful collection of hen-on-nests! I love your whole entryway organizer!
Happy Easter, Angelina!
I love your hens and how you have them arranged in your bench cubbies! I have the clear colored glass ones, but I’d love to get a hold of a milk glass one like you have!
Not only is your post lovely, but I learned so much!! I am now excited to find some hen on nests! They are so unique and beautiful! Thanks for sharing them!
Okay, Angelina, I’m in love….not only with your refined and exquisitely unique collection of hens on nests, but then you had to go and add those MC wellies. I’m dying of jealous tears here at my desk.
Happy Easter, my friend, and I am so glad to make your acquaintance! Consider me your newest follower!
Author
Thank you very much!! The MC wells I found on sale on the MC site and I knew I had to have them! I confess, they are a size too big but they were final sale… I just wear big socks!
Most certainly enjoyed seeing your fabulous collection. They are each one gorgeous. I have a few pieces, but mine are a mixed bag of English and French. I was in Dallas over the weekend and stopped in at an estate sale late Saturday. I left behind three terra cotta hens on nests and have regretted it. Wasn’t really any place in mind for displaying them, but still I ccontinue to think about how cute they were.
Happy Easter!
Author
Thank you so much! I have not seen French versions – I need to keep my eyes open! I have left things before at sales because I didn’t know how I would use them – then end up kicking myself later over it!
Angelina, what a fascinating collection and commentary! Thanks for sharing!
Author
I am glad you enjoyed the post! Thank you
Angelina, great collection!
Debby
Debbygoesshabby.blogspot.com
Author
Thank you Debby!
Loved your informative post. I have a small collections of milk glass hens (and 1 rooster-do I need more than one LOL!). Have never seen the ceramic antique ones; will have to keep my eyes out although they are prob out of my price range! Someone might not know what a treasure they have! Happy Easter!
Author
Thank you so much! The pressed glass and milk glass ones are more common -b ut keep your eyes out you will find them (and yes, in your price range but you’ve got to keep your eyes open! The steals I have found have been mislabeled!)
Wow, you have a beautiful collection of Hens. It gives it so much more impact and sense of history when you group them like you have. They fit the space perfectly!
Author
Thank you! I like knowing the history behind things as it makes me appreciate them more!
Angelina, this is a fabulous and informative post! I will be sharing a link to it on my FB page. I love all the history, and I agree they are perfect for Easter, and really they can stay on display through spring (or year round!) My mom has always used hers at Easter. I only have a tiny milk glass one, but I must remedy that! You have me headed off on the hunt now!
Thank you so much for joining the hop and party. I hope you have a beautiful spring!
Author
Yes, keep your eyes open, you might just find one!