Bohemian crystal - as much in this definition... It is enough to hear it, and immediately the imagination draws aristocratic tricks and the clinking of glasses. What kind of dishes can actually be called a given term and what are its differences from everything else?
The history of the crystal craft
It is believed that the modern history of glass inEurope begins in the first half of the seventeenth century. It was at that time, by chance, it became known that with a certain variant of processing the glass becomes transparent. This is how a new quality standard appeared - craftsmen throughout Europe tried to make their products translucent and play in the sun. A little later, the original formula was invented, according to which a certain amount of lead oxide was added to the glass mass. The new recipe allowed to significantly change the characteristics of the finished products. Crystal is easier to polish, and when it is cut, the product becomes more beautiful.
Bohemian crystal: the history of Czech glassblowers
Стеклянное ремесло – один из старейших и самых respected crafts in Europe. Of course, their masters and workshops were in all European countries, but they were most famous for this art of Bohemia and Venice. Murano glass (named after its place of production - Murano Island) is distinguished by its elegance, transparency and variety of color effects. All this is the tradition of the masters of Venice in the glassblowing craft. But already in the XIII century in Bohemia (the historical region of the Czech Republic), worthy counterparts of local Italian glass appeared. Today, Bohemian crystal and glass are valued for their extraordinary transparency. But the technology capable of imparting this quality to products was first discovered by a master who lived and worked in Bohemia.
Production stages
Even today, in the age of science and technologyprogress, Bohemian crystal is considered a luxury and an indicator of the special taste of the owner. But why is this brand so valued? There were times when it was forbidden for craftsmen to tell even their relatives any facts related to production, they passed. Today, many factories in Bohemia conduct excursions for tourists, and we will try to understand how the legendary crystal and glass are made. The first stage of production - the melting of raw materials and blowing the product. Next, the resulting preform is placed in a damp wooden form. The third stage - one of the most exciting - is grinding and cutting on glass. It is important to understand all the subtleties of work: the time during which the material can be processed is too short. Usually, the wizard uses a previously prepared sketch. The next stage - the creation of reliefs and the application of gilding. And last but not least, the finished product is polished. Bohemian crystal is valued not only for its beauty, but also for its quality. All products are tested and in the presence of the slightest marriage are not sent to the shops, and for processing. It is worth noting that today glass and crystal in Bohemia are made by hand and on special automated lines in stamping technology.
Crystal or glass?
Do you know why this vase is crystal?glasses, so similar to her, - glass? The two materials obtained from one raw material differ from each other. It is believed that if the glass is from 6 to 36% lead oxide, it can be called crystal. World quality standard - 24%. It is believed that the greater the percentage of lead content, the better the crystal. Elite and high-quality products are those that include this indicator more than 30%. Bohemian crystal (photo you can see in our article) should not have air bubbles and any other blotches. The product should be uniformly transparent and sparkling in all places, without haze.
Quality indicators
How to choose crystal and not make a mistake when buying?The traditional option of checking glass is to gently knock with a pencil or other object on the edge of a glass or salad bowl. The whole and high-quality product will answer you with a pleasant sound. Another option to check the crystal when buying is to rub it with a wet finger. The original and high-quality product will produce an interesting sound, but the usual glass and other analogues “keep silent”. All dishes produced in Bohemia, has a "company" seam - at the base of the glass leg. Glasses and vases of Bohemian crystal (for flowers) have such a distinctive feature at the bottom.
How much is such dishes and decorative items?
In Soviet times, any crystal was considered a symbolprosperity, every self-respecting hostess was obliged to have such dishes in her house. All holidays and solemn events were associated with the melodious chimes of glasses from this material. And it's no wonder that crystal is considered a symbol of taste and wealth: you really need to pay for quality and beauty. On average, a set of glasses can be bought for 3000-4000 rubles, and a single medium serving item or decorative interior decoration - for 2000-3000 rubles. Of course, we are talking about products of factory production. Handwork is many times more expensive. Crystal tableware does not age, but only gets even better with the past years. Accordingly, an antique antique candy made of Bohemian crystal can cost a fortune. Often, such furnishings and dishes are sold at auction. It turns out that crystal is not only the decoration of the table and the interior, but also a valuable investment.
