Bohemian crystal, set of 2 glasses, double-cut cobalt blue, ca 1900

Set of two glasses in thick cut Bohemian crystal, circa 1900. Made of clear crystal lined with cobalt blue, with engraved decoration of stylized female figures in a plant environment. They are in perfect condition. One is visibly a little larger than the other, this difference in size could evoke the tradition of the 19th century where separate pairs were designed for men and women, while reaffirming here the desire of the glassmaker to consciously play with this heritage. Dimensions: - 15.5cm X 7.5cm - 15cm X 8cm Bohemian crystal is a variety of lead oxide glass, transparent and clear like rock crystal (synonymous with a transparent, uncolored quartz). It was in the 18th century that Bohemia distinguished itself in the history of the crystal industry both by the creation of an artificial crystal, and by the quality of its glassworkers. The term "crystal, " however, is older, having been used in Venice at the end of the 15th century by Venetian glassmakers to describe particularly fine and transparent glass objects. It was not until the 18th century that Bohemian crystal became a sign of the quality of a hard and brilliant glass that supplanted Venetian production on royal tables. Bohemian glassmakers emigrated to Northwestern Europe at this time, bringing their technique and know-how. Bohemian crystal was supplanted by English crystal toward the end of the 18th century, from which the current formula for crystal is derived.