Loetz Iridescent Stemmed Vase, Circa 1900

• Baluster (glass) - An architectural term for a column in a balustrade or staircase.
  
  When used to describe glass, it can either refer to the shape of the stem of a wine glass, being slender above and pear shaped below, or the shape of the whole vessel, usually a vase. In fact the baluster shape is often described as being vase-like.
  
  The description of a vase as being of baluster shape covers a wide variety of shapes that often bear no resemblance to the original architectural form.
• Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.
• Irridescent Glass - Iridescent glass has a shimmering or rainbow-like appearance due to the way it reflects light. It is created by applying a thin layer of metal oxides to the surface of the glass while it is still hot and malleable, which then creates an interference effect that produces a range of colours as the light reflects off the surface. The exact colours and patterns created by iridescent glass depend on the specific types of metal oxides used and the techniques used to apply them.
  
  Iridescent glass was first developed in the late 19th century, and quickly became popular for use in decorative art glass and stained glass windows. Some of the most famous examples of iridescent glass were created by artists such as Louis Comfort Tiffany and his studio, who used it extensively in their distinctive lamps, vases, and other decorative objects.
  
  

This item has been included into following indexes:

• Loetz (Austria / Bohemia) - glass makers 163