Bohemian Biedermeier beaker
A thick, cut beaker in ruby red or with engraved views – a souvenir from the spa.
Bohemia, in today’s Czech Republic, had plenty of forest and quartz and became one of Europe’s glass centres. In the 1820s and 30s its glassworks developed coloured glass and ruby stain.
The beakers were sold as souvenirs at spas such as Karlsbad and Marienbad. Later copies are often thinner and have coarser engraving.
Materials: Potash glass, often cased or stained red, yellow or blue
Manufacture: Blown, facet-cut and engraved with copper wheels in Bohemia.
Thick glass with cut facets or angular panels.
A thin layer of coloured glass or stain cut through to clear glass.
Engraved views of spas, churches or stags.