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How to Buy Antique Rose Petal Bowls

Antique rose bowls can brighten up the decor of any room. These bowls were extremely popular during the Victorian era and were used in their time as makeshift air fresheners--filled with a homemade potpourri consisting of dried Gallica rose petals to air out a stuffy room. Today, their popularity has experienced a resurgence, and people wishing to purchase rose bowls will find that they have a variety of options.

Things You'll Need

Any book about Victorian or antique glassware

Instructions

- 1
  Decide which kind and size of bowl you'd prefer. Rose bowls can range in size from small--about 2.5 inches--to about 7 inches. The easiest ones to find tend to be around 4.5 inches. Some bowls have edges that are crimped and curl inward as on an actual rose; others, such as the rose bowls made by Fenton, have scalloped or even beaded edges. Rose bowls may be porcelain or even metal, but the most popular ones are made with clear colored glass because they allow sunlight to shine through. Rose bowls may be flat bottomed or may have feet or a stem and base like a goblet.
- 2
  Call or visit local antiques stores to inquire about these bowls. It's generally best to visit a store yourself, as a rose bowl is often misidentified as a vase or a goblet. Prices vary depending on quality and age, but most antique dealers will be willing to give you at least a 10 percent discount or haggle with you.
- 3
  Shop for rose bowls online. Look for a photo, as you want a rose bowl and not simply a porcelain soup bowl with pictures of roses on it. Popular antiques websites such as Ruby Lane and Bonanzle carry bowls ranging in price from as little as $35 to over $150 depending on age and price.

Antiques