CorningWare 'Cornflower Blue' Casserole Dishes
Decorative art and functional kitchenware; glass-ceramic casserole dishes with lids • Designed by the Corning Glass Works design team (the Cornflower motif is widely attributed to artist Joseph Baum)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / American Industrial Design
Medium & Technique
Pyroceram (a glass-ceramic material developed by Corning Glass Works) with heat-applied decals and borosilicate glass lids
Creation Period
Circa 1958–1988 (The 'Cornflower Blue' pattern was the original and most prolific design)
Dimensions & Format
The image shows two standard rectangular/square formats: likely a 1.5-quart and 2 or 3-quart capacity dish with integrated handles.
Subject Description
The subject is purely decorative and functional. It features the iconic 'Cornflower Blue' floral design consisting of three blue stylised blossoms on a green-tinted white glass-ceramic background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (Functional Condition). There is visible staining/residue on the side of the foreground dish and minor wear on the handles.
Estimated Market Value
$40–$120 USD for the pair (Secondary markets, depending on specific model numbers and lid integrity)
Auction Estimate
$30–$80 USD (Commonly sold at estate auctions and online marketplace platforms)
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a domestic estate or garage sale (indicated by the yellow price stickers visible on surrounding kitchen items). Common in American households from the late 1950s onward.
Art Historical Significance
CorningWare represents a significant advancement in 20th-century materials science. Pyroceram was originally developed for ballistic missile nose cones before being adapted for kitchenware due to its extreme thermal shock resistance.
Notable Features
Includes the original 'P-series' or 'A-series' style integrated handles and the distinct clear Pyrex lids with traditional knob handles.
Condition Issues
Visible organic residue/burnt-on food grease on the side of the foreground dish; possible light 'flea bite' chips on the handles or lid rims; minor surface scratches from utensil use.
Conservation Recommendations
Non-abrasive cleaning with a baking soda paste to remove exterior stains; avoid industrial dishwashers to preserve the decal luster; store with padding between stacked units to prevent scratching.