Many of us grew up seeing these charming dishes in the homes of our relatives, perhaps sitting on a mantel or a kitchen shelf, adding a touch of vintage elegance to our daily lives and sparking curiosity and admiration. These vintage Hen on Nest dishes, with their intricate designs and vibrant colors, evoke a simpler time when such treasures were both practical and decorative.
Dating back to the 18th century, Hen on Nest dishes were initially imported to the U.S. from England at significant expense, making them luxury items that only the wealthy could afford. In 19th century, these dishes were produced by renowned glass companies likе Westmoreland, Indiana Glass, and Fenton. They were often used as candy dishes or trinket holders, their charming hen figurines meticulously crafted to capture the essence of a country farm. The detailed feathers and expressive faces of the hens add a touch of pastoral beauty, making each piece a miniature work of art.
These dishes can vary significantly in price, with some of the most vibrant or authentic-looking pieces originating from the ’70s to ’90s. By examining the details carefully, you can often determine their age, though many lack a maker’s mark. Most pieces typically sell for $5 to $30, but particularly rare or older items can fetch $100 or more. For those looking to start a collection, there are plenty of affordable and colorful options available.
Think you know her? You might want to take a seat before discovering who she really is
Joan van Ark was born on June 16, 1943, in New York City, far from the world of entertainment. Her life took a significant turn during her teenage years while acting in Denver, where she met actress Julie Harris, who would greatly influence her career. Julie encouraged Joan to apply to the prestigious Yale Drama School and even helped her secure a scholarship, making Joan the second woman ever to enroll there.
Joan recalled: “Harris wrote to the dean and asked him to meet me. Long story short, my parents drove me to New Haven, Connecticut, where the dean awarded me a scholarship. It felt destined”. After honing her skills in theater, Joan shifted her focus to television, where she starred in shows like Temperature’s Rising, Spider-Woman, Days of Our Lives, and even made a guest appearance on Bonanza. However, it was her role as Valene Ewing on Dallas in 1978 that propelled her to stardom.
Her success on Dallas led to her starring in its spin-off, Knots Landing, which was actually developed before Dallas. Initially, Joan was set to join the Knots Landing cast, but she ended up reprising her role on Dallas first. It was her husband, newscaster John Marshall, who encouraged her to accept the role despite her busy schedule. When it was announced that Julie Harris would play Val’s mother, Joan was thrilled. “I couldn’t believe they had picked her to be my mother”, she recalled in a 1984 interview.
After 13 seasons and 327 episodes on Knots Landing, Joan left the show just before its final season. While many speculated that her departure contributed to the show’s cancellation, she was ready for new challenges. “I loved my time on that show”, she stated, expressing gratitude to the show’s creator, David Jacobs, and her co-star, Ted Shackelford, who she considered family.
Joan and John, who met in high school, have been happily married for over 58 years and share a daughter, Vanessa Marshall, who works in the entertainment industry. Now at 81, Joan has a net worth of $10 million and remains stunning. She was last spotted five years ago, casually paying for parking in workout attire.
Her most recent appearance was in the 2017 television film Psycho Wedding Crasher. After a remarkable 50-year career in entertainment, Joan van Ark is now a life member of The Actor’s Studio, solidifying her legacy as an icon.
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