Vintage Bohemian Hand Cut 24% Lead Crystal Water Pitcher.
“Used – Very good condition”
Vintage Bohemian Hand Cut 24% Lead Crystal Water Pitcher.
History of Czech Crystal
Glassmaking in the region dates all the
way back to the 13th century, when glass was produced in northern Bohemia’s
Lusatian Mountains and used in monastery windows. The proliferation of chalk
and potash, which enabled the production of a more stable product than that of
their Italian counterparts, allowed the industry to thrive, and by 1414 the
world’s first glass factory was founded in Chřibská.
In the 17th century, Emperor Rudolf
II’s gem cutter Caspar Lehmann invented the process of glass engraving, a
startling discovery that sent Bohemian crystal soaring in popularity and
excellence. By the time the 18th century rolled around, Bohemia had become the
world’s leader in crystal production, with factories popping up all over Europe
as well as in Cairo, Beirut, New York, and Mexico.
The Industrial Revolution in the 19th
century allowed for the mass production of Czech crystal, and it wasn’t long
after that it was being exported en masse to the entire world. Glassmaking
schools were also established so that the time-honored craft could be handed
down to coming generations.
Two world wars and the suffocating grip
of Communism interfered with production in the 20th century, but artisans and
manufacturers persevered, turning out beautiful hand-cut pieces that maintained
the artistic integrity they’d inherited from their predecessors. Their determination
paid off in large dividends in 1989 when Communism fell and the world at large
was reintroduced to the very thing that had enchanted kings and queens for
centuries.
Today, Bohemian crystal is one of the
most sought-after gift items in the Czech Republic thanks in large part to its
eye-catching beauty and relatively reasonable price tag. It comes in a
staggering number of forms, including glasses, candlesticks, decanters, vases,
and chandeliers, to name just a few
The water pitcher is in very good
condition with no chips or cracks.
(Please see photos for details)
Dimensions:
·
Height: 21 cm
·
Width: 18 cm
·
Weight: 1,605 g
Thank
you for looking and the best of luck if you decide to bid.