Bohemian (Czech Republic) glass, maker unknown

Bohemia is a region in the present-day Czech Republic, and has a long history of glassmaking and jewellery making. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Bohemia was a major centre for the manufacture of these products.

Glassmaking in Bohemia dates back to the 13th century. In the 19th century, Bohemian glassmakers developed new techniques for making coloured glass, including millefiori, which is a type of glass that is made with tiny pieces of coloured glass embedded in it. Bohemian glass was also known for its intricate patterns and designs. In the 20th century, Bohemian glassmakers continued to innovate, and more... they developed new techniques for making opalescent glass, which is a type of glass that has a milky or iridescent appearance.

Jewellery making in Bohemia also dates back to the Middle Ages. In the 19th century, Bohemian jewellery makers were known for their use of precious metals, such as gold and silver, and their intricate designs. Bohemian jewellery was also known for its use of semi-precious stones, such as garnets, amethysts, and topazes. In the 20th century, Bohemian jewellery makers continued to use traditional techniques, but they also began to experiment with new materials and designs.

Bohemia's glassmaking and jewellery making industries were important contributors to the economy of the region. They also helped to make Bohemia a center of artistic and cultural activity. Bohemian glass and jewellery were exported all over the world, and they were prized for their quality and craftsmanship.

Some of the most important Bohemian glass and jewellery makers from the 19th and 20th centuries include Moser Glassworks. Jablonec Glassworks, Preciosa, Georg Kramer and Franz Josef Urban. less...

Bohemian glass, famous for its beauty and colour, has been in production since the 13th century, aided by the abundant natural resources found in the countryside, including potash which combined with chalk created a clear glass, wood to fire the kilns, as well as limestone and silica.

Bohemia became part of Czechoslovakia from 1918, and from 1993, part of the Czech Republic, although the word 'Bohemia' and variations on it continued in use in labeling glass.

By the mid 18th century Bohemian glass dominated world production and in the 19th century Bohemia became the centre for production of new types more... of coloured glass, including hyalith, lithyaylin, annagrun and annagelb.

'Mary Gregory' glass, in popular belief originated from a lady by that name either in America that painted scenes of children on ruby, blue or green glass using a white enamel paint mixed with ground glass, actually originated in Bohemia, and was a major export in the mid and latter quarter of the 19th century.

Mary Gregory glass, like many glass items from Bohemia does not carry a permanent manufacturers mark. If there was a paper label attached when it left the factory, the label has been worn or washed off during its many years of use.

As well as the unmarked items that are grouped under the general name of 'Bohemian glass', branded Bohemian based manufacturers and designers included well known names such Loetz and Moser and lesser known factories such as Kralik, Prachen and Rudolfova. less...