Bohemian crystal, set of 2 glasses with elegant decoration, cobalt blue cut line, ca 1900

Set of two thick cut Bohemian crystal glasses, circa 1900.

Made of clear crystal lined with cobalt blue, with engraved decoration of stylised female figures in a plant setting.

They are in perfect condition.

One is visibly slightly larger than the other, a difference in size that could evoke the 19th-century tradition of designing distinct pairs for men and women, while reaffirming the glassmaker's desire to consciously play with this heritage.



Dimensions:

- 15.5cm x 7.5cm

- 15cm x 8cm



Bohemian crystal is a type of lead oxide glass that is transparent and clear like rock crystal (synonymous with transparent, colourless quartz).

It was in the 18th century that Bohemia made its mark on the history of the crystal industry, both through the creation of artificial crystal and the quality of its glassmakers.

However, the term ‘crystal' is older, having been used in Venice at the end of the 15th century by Venetian glassmakers to describe particularly fine and transparent glass objects. It was not until the 18th century that Bohemian crystal became synonymous with hard, sparkling glass, supplanting Venetian production on royal tables.

Bohemian glassmakers emigrated to north-western Europe at this time, bringing their techniques and expertise with them. Towards the end of the 18th century, Bohemian crystal was supplanted by English crystal, from which the current crystal formula is derived.