Bohemian crystal: history and modernity

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Bohemian crystal - how much in this definition … It is enough to hear it, and immediately the imagination draws aristocratic receptions and the clink of glasses. What kind of dishes can actually be called this term and how does it differ from everything else?

History of crystal craft

The modern history of glass in Europe is believed to begin in the first half of the seventeenth century. It was at that time that, by chance, it became known that with a certain processing option, glass becomes transparent. This is how a new quality standard appeared - craftsmen throughout Europe tried to make their products translucent and play in the sun. A little later, an original formula was invented, according to which a certain amount of lead oxide was added to the glass mass. The new recipe made it possible to noticeably change the characteristics of finished products. Crystal is easier to polish and more beautiful when cut.

Bohemian Crystal: The History of Czech Glassblowers

Glass craft is one ofthe oldest and most respected crafts in Europe. Of course, all European states had their own masters and workshops, but Bohemia and Venice became most famous thanks to this art. Murano glass (named after the place of production - the island of Murano) is distinguished by its elegance, transparency and variety of color effects. All this is the tradition of the masters of Venice in the glass-blowing craft. But already in the XIII century in Bohemia (the historical region of the Czech Republic) worthy analogues of locally produced Italian glass appeared. Today, Bohemian crystal and glass are valued for their extraordinary transparency. But the technology that can give this quality to products was first discovered by a master who lived and worked in Bohemia.

Production steps

Even today, in the age of scientific and technological progress, Bohemian crystal is considered a luxury and an indicator of the special taste of the owner. But why is this brand so valued? The times when craftsmen were forbidden to tell even their relatives any facts related to production have passed. Today, many factories in Bohemia conduct excursions for tourists, and we will try to understand how the legendary crystal and glass are made. The first stage of production is the melting of raw materials and the blowing of the product. Next, the resulting workpiece is placed in a wet wooden form. The third stage - one of the most exciting - is grinding and cutting on glass. It is important to understand the subtlety of the work: the time during which the material can be processed is too short. Usually whenAt work, the wizard uses a previously prepared sketch. The next stage is the creation of reliefs and the application of gilding. And the last thing is polishing the finished product. Bohemian crystal is valued not only for its beauty, but also for its quality. All products are tested and in the presence of the slightest marriage are sent not to stores, but for processing. It is worth noting that today glass and crystal in Bohemia are made by hand and on special automated lines using stamping technology.

Crystal or glass?

Do you know why this vase is crystal and the glasses that look so much like it are glass? How do two materials obtained from the same raw material differ from each other. It is believed that if the glass contains from 6 to 36% lead oxide, it can be called crystal. The world quality standard is 24%. It is believed that the higher the percentage of lead, the better the crystal. Elite and high-quality are products in which this indicator exceeds 30%. Bohemian crystal (you can see the photo in our article) should not have air bubbles or any other inclusions. The product should be uniformly transparent and sparkling in all places, without turbidity.

Quality Metrics

How to choose crystal and not make a mistake when buying? The traditional way to check the glass is to gently tap with a pencil or other object on the edge of the glass or salad bowl. A whole and high-quality product will answer you with a pleasant sound. Another option for checking crystal when buying isrub it with a wet finger. An original and high-quality product will make an interesting sound, but ordinary glass and other analogues will “keep silent”. All tableware produced in Bohemia has a "signature" seam - at the base of the stem of the glass. Glasses and vases made of Bohemian crystal (for flowers) have this distinctive feature on the bottom.

How much do these crockery and decorative items cost?

In Soviet times, any crystal was considered a symbol of prosperity, every self-respecting housewife was obliged to have such dishes in her house. All holidays and solemn events were associated precisely with the melodic chime of glasses made of this material. And it is not for nothing that crystal is considered a symbol of taste and prosperity: you really have to pay for quality and beauty. On average, a set of glasses can be bought for 3000-4000 rubles, and some single medium-sized serving item or decorative interior decoration - for 2000-3000 rubles. Of course, we are talking about factory-made products. Handmade is much more expensive. Crystal tableware does not age, but only becomes even better with the passing years. Accordingly, an antique vintage Bohemian crystal candy bowl can cost a fortune. Often, such interior items and dishes are sold at auctions. It turns out that crystal is not only a table and interior decoration, but also a valuable investment.