Carved Bohemian crystal bowl with Bacchic motifs, 40.5 cm high, circa 1850-1860.
Glass has been smelted in what is now the Czech Republic since ancient times. The first workshops of glassblowers appeared here at the end of the 13th century in the area of the Giant Mountains. Glass production technology improved, and by the end of the 17th century, Bohemian glass began to successfully compete with Venetian glass, a recognized leader in this field.
Bohemian glass, unlike Venetian glass, was harder and easier to cut and engrave. Over time, lead oxide began to be introduced into the composition of the glass mass, due to which Bohemian glass acquired a special transparency and radiance, similar to iridescent glare on the edges of rock crystal.
Carved Bohemian crystal mug depicting a deer in a silver frame, height 21.2 cm, in the manner of Johann F. Hoffmann, Karlovy Vary, 1874
The works of the Bohemian masters were distinguished by the skillful engraving known as Tiefschnitt.
In the 19th century, a number of specialized schools were founded to continue the traditions of this craft, the largest of which was in Kamenitsky Shenov (Steinschenau) since 1856.
Engraving was also taught in glass factories such as the Moser factory in Karlovy Vary. Several talented engravers opened their own engraving studios, such as Carl Pietsch (1828-1883), who studied with Franz Zahn and the Pelican workshop and worked independently in Steinschenau, supplying J&L Lobmeyr in Vienna with specially commissioned exhibition quality work.
Glass engraving was carried out with an abrasive wheel or a diamond cutter. Typically, the engraved surface remains matte, allowing the engraved design to show through on the transparent surface of the glass.
Glass gobletGlass tray with a battle scene from the time of Alexander the Great, diameter 49.3 cm, Bohemia, late 19th centuryCarved glass trayCarved glass tray (carving fragment)Engraved glass goblet, height 64.5 cm, Karl Pietsch, Steischenau, Bohemia, circa 1870-1880This beautiful goblet by Carl Pietsch is engraved with figures of animals and children in medieval clothing.Glass goblet (detail)Glass goblet (detail)Carved ruby goblet with hunting scenes, Bohemia, late 19th centuryAmber-painted carved goblet with hunting scenes, height 21.7 cm, Bohemia, 1841Pair of gilded carved ruby glass vases, height 56 cm, Bohemia, early 20th centuryCup with a lid in the form of a crown, made of carved amber-coloured glass, height 38.5 cm, Bohemia, circa 1837-1840.Cup with carved ruby glass lid depicting deer, height 23 cm, Bohemia, circa 1840-1850Jewelry box in carved ruby glass with hunting scenes, length 28 cm, Bohemia, circa 1850-1870Glass of carved amber-coloured glass depicting an Arabian stableman leading a horse, 12 cm high, Franz Hansel, Bohemia, circa 1840Pair of goblets with carved ruby glass lids depicting hunting scenes, height 36.5 cm, Bohemia, circa 1820-1840Cup with carved ruby glass lid depicting deer and faun, height 35 cm, Bohemia, circa 1850-1860.Carved jug with amber staining, height 45.5 cm, Bohemia, 1841Jewelry box in carved ruby glass with hunting scenes, length 18.5 cm, Bohemia, circa 1850-1870.Jewel box in carved cobalt glass depicting deer, length 27 cm, Bohemia, circa 1850-1870Engraved frosted glass tumbler depicting a running deer and a fox in a forest landscape, 12.5 cm high, Bohemia, circa 1860-1880.Carved ruby glass tazza depicting deer, height diameter 31 cm, Bohemia, circa 1850-1870Pair of Bohemian vases in carved gilded glass with Gothic ornamentation, 34 cm high, circa 1840-1860Goblet with a lid made of carved glass with a combination of staining in blue and amber, height 42 cm, Bohemia, circa 1850-1870.Carved ruby glass jar with Bacchic scenes, height 27.5 cm, Bohemia, circa 1850-1860Cup with a lid made of carved ruby glass with gilding, height 29 cm, Bohemia, circa 1840-1860
