If we take a walk around Prague, or more specifically at the centre of Prague, and look at what attracts shops. We find that one of the few constants that has not changed over the years is Bohemia crystal glass. A phenomenon that is incomprehensible to some and irresistible to others.
So what are its specifics and is it worth buying Bohemian crystal glass at all? And when?
What helped to discover Bohemian crystal glass
Venice (and the island of Murano) became a leading centre of glass production already in the Middle Ages. This was due to the Crusades, which brought secret technologies to Venice, as well as commercial talent, strict secrecy of production, and other innovations and experiments.
And while the Bohemian territory, which was also rich in glassworks in the Middle Ages, was undergoing the Hussite Wars and the decline of the craft in the 15th century. Around the world, Venetian glass, or glass of the Venetian type, became a lifestyle with the development of the Renaissance. It was important to have it. And it was synonymous with the best.
And so, after the Hussite wars, this glass came to the Bohemia as well. Importing glass from Venice was extremely expensive and few could afford it. Therefore, gradually the local glassmaking craft was re-developed. (You can read about the history of Czech glass as such here.)
In the second half of the 16th century, Bohemian glassmaking was already experiencing a renaissance, beginning to innovate, changing technologies and processes. The quality of glassmaking was increasing, but it didn’t stand out yet. This came gradually at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries during the reign of Rudolf II. The era of glass cutting and engraving begins. For which Bohemian crystal became so famous. At that time it did not yet exist.
At the same time, attempts to get as close to Venetian cristallo as possible continued. It was during just such an attempt that Bohemian crystal glass was discovered in the 1770s. Like all breakthrough discoveries, it was a bit of an accident. As the aim was not to find something new, but what already existed.
Why did this accidental discovery win over the world?
First of all, it is good to remember that glass has always somewhat imitated and developed the beauty of precious stones. Although glass was also expensive, difficult to transport. It was still more affordable than precious stones. In the Middle Ages, for example, the wealthy classes could afford a rosary made of glass beads. Which probably wouldn’t have been possible with precious stones.
Crystal was one of the stones that fascinated people from time immemorial. However, unlike imitation malachite, azurite or obsidian (more on malachite glass here), crystal is also crystal clear, which has undeniable advantages in use.
But saying all this, critallo has been worked with in Venice before, so why has Boheman crystal glass come to prominence?
Cristallo vs Boheman crystal glass
Venetian crystal, cristallo, was contains sodium carbonate.This allowed glass a long setting time and this longer time allowed better concentration on complex shapes.This is why Venetian-type glass was considered the best.
Bohemian crystal glass, on the other hand, contains more potassium, so the setting time is relatively short and the products had to be shaped quickly. However, its great advantage is the ease of engraving.
Along with this, glass engraving had already started to develop at the turn of the century. With the advent of the Baroque, who liked the intricate engraved motifs, Bohemian crystal glass not only gained a place on the market, but also completely undermined the glory of the Venetian glassworks.
Now it was the Bohemian crystal glass that everyone had to have.
When to choose Bohemian crystal glass?
Crystal glass is a colourless clear glass that has a high refractive index of light. This is true for any crystal glass. As the aim is to get close to the magic of the crystal stone, and let the play of light shine through.
Bohemian crystal glass, unlike Venetian crystal, allowed careful and precise engraving. And if that’s what fascinates you, there’s nothing to think about. What’s more, in the case of antique Bohemian crystal glass, you might also get a piece that enchanted the whole world, not just the Baroque period.
At the same time, it is obvious that the demanding and detailed work of the engraver increases the price of Bohemian crystal glass products.
Glass is a piece of art that you acquire for yourself or as a gift. And so it is not a bad thing to see it. Decide on the spot which glass or object fascinates and attracts you the most. Whether it’s the design, the precision, the play of light or the colours.