Finding a "Real" piece of Jadeite!

In a recent post I blogged about Jadeite glassware and how it is a favorite of mine as well as many others. At that time I noted that I did not currently own any "real" pieces that were correctly marked. Well, I'm excited to say that all changed last weekend when I found and purchased a Jadeite "sugar canister" for $5.00 at a local auction.  

While walking up and down the aisle of tables looking at the diverse merchandise, I spotted the canister from across the room and thought the green coloring was awfully familiar. When I picked it up and inspected the bottom I was happily surprised to see it was correctly marked to identify as a real piece of Jadeite!

                                           Genuine Jadeite "Sugar Canister," photo courtesy Jennifer Cox

Now with that said, in the picture you will notice the lid is made of clear glass instead of the green colored glass. Though the lid fits the canister top and I know the bottom green canister piece is the real deal, I'm not convinced the lid is a genuine Jadeite piece. In fact I'm almost positive it's not! However I am thrilled to know the bottom is the real thing and to own my first piece of this fabulous glassware. 

Because I'm not sure about the validity of the lid, I have decided to pack it away and put the base (green canister) to work on my kitchen counter top. You can find this item holding kitchen utensils such as wooden spoons, spatulas, etc. I hope in my search of antiques and vintage that I can find other matching canisters and maybe a lid for the piece I recently purchased. It was exciting to see on ebay that my canister with the matching lid was currently bringing $128.00. I think for the $5.00 I paid for mine I will be able to truly enjoy it for many years, not to mention that it's pulling its weight around my house holding all those utensils!! 

Click here for a look at the canisters found on ebay!