Milk glass is a type of opaque glass that first originated in Venice in the 16th century. Despite the name, not all milk glass is white—even very old pieces can be found in alternative colors such as pink, blue, or brown. Although the genesis of this type of glass is quite old, the milk glass that is found in the collectible market today tends to date from the 19th and 20th centuries, and much of it was produced in America.

White milk glass became popular during the Victorian era because it was a beautiful and economical alternative to porcelain, which it resembles. (This is also the era when the term “milk glass” was coined to describe this type of glassware).

This lovely embossed and painted cologne bottle, circa 1880's, for the lady of the house. The cologne is embossed with scrolls, cross-hatching and delicate flowers which were them enhanced with green and gold enamel. There are also hand painted flowers on the bulbous portion in tan with green stems and foliage. The cologne bottle measures 10" in height and 6" across the widest part. There are no cracks, chips or repairs; normal paint wear due to age and use.