Opal glass, opaline and milk glass

Opal glass, opaline and milk glass are related terms that should be read in the context of the individual object. They do not identify a single manufacturer or a particular period. Collectors and museum glossaries do not always draw the same boundaries between these names.

Translucent and opaque glass

The Corning Museum of Glass describes opal glass as translucent white glass with a greyish or bluish cast. Its glossary uses lattimo and milk glass for opaque white glass. The American collectors’ society NMGCS also documents broader usage of milk glass for coloured opaque glass.

Opaline also appears as decorated art glass. One specific example in Corning’s collection is an opaline vase made by blowing, painting and gilding. This illustrates one treatment rather than an identifying feature shared by every opaline object.

Assessment and possible confusion

A matte surface can also be created by sandblasting. Surface treatment and the translucency of the material are therefore separate observations to record.

Document the shape, dimensions, base, marks and decoration before proposing a maker or date. Colour alone does not establish attribution. As a practical example, two white bowls of similar shape should not automatically be catalogued as an original set without further evidence.

Browse glass or discuss a sale

Explore glass and crystal in the shop. To sell an object or collection, send photographs and details through OBA’s buying and selling page.