Carnival glass bowl with 'Dragon and Lotus' pattern by Fenton

Carnival glass was first produced in the early 1900s as an affordable alternative to expensive Tiffany iridescent glass. Fenton Art Glass Company became one of the premier American manufacturers of carnival glass, producing pieces from 1907 through the 1920s and beyond. The Dragon and Lotus pattern, featuring stylized oriental dragons and lotus flowers, was introduced by Fenton in the 1920s and became one of their most recognizable and sought-after designs. This type of carnival glass appeals strongly to collectors of American pressed glass, vintage decorative arts enthusiasts, and carnival glass specialists who appreciate the iridescent finish and intricate molded patterns. The Dragon and Lotus pattern is particularly valued for its exotic oriental motifs and the quality of Fenton's craftsmanship. These bowls are prized both as display pieces and as examples of early 20th-century American glassmaking innovation, with collectors often seeking specific colors and pattern variations to complete their collections.