Carnival glass originated as an inexpensive imitation of more luxurious iridescent art glass. It was mass-produced and given away as prizes at carnivals, hence the name. The distinctive iridescent sheen is achieved by spraying metallic salts onto the glass surface while it's still hot from the mold, then refiring it.

Fenton Art Glass Company, founded in 1905, was one of the most prolific manufacturers of carnival glass, producing a wide array of patterns and colors. Marigold is one of the most common and recognizable colors in carnival glass, known for its warm, golden hue and vibrant iridescence. These pieces were popular from the early 1900s through the 1920s and have seen a resurgence in popularity among collectors in recent years.