I displayed this plate on a stand to capture its beautiful amber glow. I did, however, do the displaying in the room where the plate normally resides; so I decided I only bent rather than broke my self-imposed rule to not set up shots. I prefer to capture a moment or subject as is, but not today. I knew before I even started cleaning the diningroom that this special plate, which normally lies flat atop the hutch along with its matching bowl, would be my subject as I continue to photograph something special from each room I clean.
My father, his father, and some of his brothers worked for decades at Kopp Glass, founded in 1900. Not known for producing decorative plates and bowls, why Kopp produced our treasured family heirlooms remains a mystery — perhaps as employee Christmas gifts? My father retired from the "glasshouse" long before our treasures were produced; so we can only guess how my father received them — perhaps they were mailed to former employees? Those are our best guesses.
My sister's red set features Christmas trees, my brother's green set features Christmas wreaths, my amber set (plate dated 1983 and bowl dated 1987) features reindeer, and my parents' blue set features snowflakes. When my mother went home to Jesus, my sister came up with the wonderful idea of having the grandchildren pick numbers for my parents' two blue pieces; so now two of my nieces each own a blue piece.
I praise you, Lord, for my amber glass plate and bowl made by Kopp Glass — treasured-and-I-mean-treasured family heirlooms.
