Bohemian glass is a type of art glass that originated in Bohemia, a region of the Czech Republic. Silesia, a neighboring state, also produces Bohemian-style glass. Bohemian glass was once world-famous, and rightly so, because it was of exceptional quality. Many glassworks in the Czech Republic now produce Bohemian glass, producing replicas of older pieces as well as more modern works, and many of them profit from the reputation of Bohemian glass.
Since the 13th century, this region of Europe has been known for its glass production, with the 17th and 18th centuries being the pinnacle of Bohemian glass production. Due to abundant natural resources and talented artisans who pushed the boundaries of glass production to produce very high-quality decorative glass, Bohemia was uniquely suited to glass production. Many of the glassmaking techniques developed in Bohemia are still in use today.
Bohemian glass is typically brightly colored and lavishly decorated. It can be faceted, engraved, etched, or painted, and many Bohemian glass pieces are thin and delicate, demonstrating the artisan’s skill. When other glassworks were still struggling to produce cumbersome, dense pieces, Bohemian glass became a prized artifact, establishing a strong reputation for Bohemian glassmakers that has lasted to this day.
Lead crystal, a heavy glass that is faceted to add extra sparkle, is one of Bohemia’s most famous glass products. Lead crystal, reverse painted glass, and enameled glass are still major exports from the region. The development of mass production techniques in the region during the nineteenth century allowed artisans to export less expensive decorative glass to other regions for sale to the lower classes.
Glass dealers, department stores, and art stores sell a wide range of Bohemian glass items, and antique Bohemian glass can be found in many antique shops. Bohemian glass, like any antique, should be purchased with caution, as replicas are far less valuable. It’s a good idea to bring someone with glass identification experience along on a glass hunting trip, and it’s also a good idea to use an extensive guidebook that discusses glass manufacturers and styles to ensure that you don’t get ripped off.