The first popular range of multicoloured ceramics was called Harlequin, made for US retailer FW Woolworth by the Homer Laughlin Co. in the 1930's and followed by another popular flatware pattern called Fiesta.
In 1956 Max Verboeket's Carnaval was among the first stemware designs to apply the idea to glass, and it was a great success for the Kristalunie. The stylish packaging by Ger Huntjes was given awards and the sales rocketed.
For many years it was given for house-warmings and weddings, or as a promotional gift, often going straight into a display cabinet or (still boxed) into the back of the cupboard.
Maastricht enjoyed success in Europe and marketed the glasses under the name Harlequin in the UK (and US?) although the initial boom in sales was quickly eroded by competitors.
The success of Carnaval inspired imitators of both the packaging and the product. Boom launched their Arlecchino range, Boussu launched their Arlequin, and Leerdam developed its Spectrum range. The 'unbranded' factories at Braine-le-Comte, Laeken and elsewhere soon produced their own versions, which were joined by a huge flood of similar imported items from Bohemia.Each factory selected it's own palette of colours. A few imitated Verboeket closely, while most made a new selection, often including light blues, cranberry reds or pale pinks. In some cases the colour selection was further changed during production to reflect changing fashions.
Fiestaware was still being produced in the 1960's when the lighter and brighter colours of Cascade was a popular success for de Rupel (Boom). As huge, industrial, automated plants came to dominate the industry in the 70's, (and colour was also easily mechanised), the 'fiestaware' products became the domain of these 'mega-factories'.
(NOTE: 'Carnival glass' (spelled with an I in the middle) is the name given to a widespread type of pressed glass which usually has an opaque dark or amber base and a very high iridescent finish. (For more information about Carnival Glass please see our carnival glass page and links page, or surf to Glen and Stephen Thistlewood.)
The most popular and collectable of the group is still the Verboeket's 1957 Carnaval stemware. On this site we have collected together information from many collectors to add to our own nearly complete collection. Since we now have several examples of each model we are able to publish a complete pricelist for the first time .
Among the pages here you will also find a carefully-researched catalogue of the 22 'official' models as well as a special 'Hunter's Guide' which is handy for the wallet of any/every Carnaval collector, and also looks at widows and orphans, fakes, copies and special items.
There is information about Ger Huntjes box and packaging designs.
Among the pages here you will also find a carefully-researched catalogue of the 22 'official' models as well as a special 'Hunter's Guide' which is handy for the wallet of any/every Carnaval collector, and also looks at widows and orphans, fakes, copies and special items.
There is information about Ger Huntjes box and packaging designs.
Above: Packaging for Alecchino by de Rupel, BoomAbove: Packaging for Spectrum by Royal Leerdam
Boxed set of of cognac balloons, Arlequin by Boussu 
Labelled Val St Lambert 