CANVASES, CARATS AND CURIOSITIES

As with any natural wonder, the evolution of remarkable art forms is shaped by a blend of natural, sociological and economic factors. Bohemia, the westernmost region of the Czech Republic, encompasses 32,349 square miles of resource-rich terrain bordered by Austria, Germany and Poland. This strategic location, surrounded by protective mountain ranges, provided both the essential materials and the isolation necessary for developing a distinctive artistic and linguistic tradition.

The region's glassmaking heritage emerged from a confluence of natural resources and cultural exchange. While Bohemia takes its name from the ancient Celtic Boii tribe, it was the arrival of Slavic artisans in the 6th century that laid the foundation for its glassmaking tradition. As the region developed under various rulers—from Bohemian kings to the Habsburg monarchy—its artisans refined their craft, establishing techniques through shared traditions that would define luxury glass production for centuries to come.

The Science of Superior Glass

Bohemian glassmakers created glass that surpassed leaded crystal when they discovered that combining potash (wood ash soaked in water) with chalk produced a clear, colorless glass that surpassed the stability and durability of Italian pieces. This Czech glass possessed a unique composition of limestone and silica that allowed for wheel-cutting—a technical innovation that would also revolutionize decorative glass production. The distinctive properties of this crystal glass enabled artisans to achieve unprecedented levels of detail and brilliance through cutting and layering, setting new standards for luxury glass products throughout Europe and beyond.

The Golden Age of Bohemian Crystal

By the 16th century, Bohemian glass was known and coveted by European aristocrats, and the 18th century marked the apex of Bohemian crystal's influence. The region's chandeliers and vessels adorned Europe's most illustrious residences, sought after by prominent figures including French King Louis XV, Austrian Empress Maria Theresa and Russian Empress Elizabeth.

For many, the only way to obtain these coveted items was to travel to Bohemia, which had become a popular aristocratic destination for stag hunting. European nobility, traveling to participate in these prestigious hunts, commissioned sophisticated souvenirs to commemorate their expeditions. Bohemian artisans responded by incorporating wildlife motifs into their crystalline masterworks.

Moser Glass

Moser glass, often referred to as the "Glass of Kings," is among the finest quality art glass ever produced. The company was founded in 1857 by Ludwig Moser in Karlovy Vary (then known as Karlsbad) as a glass polishing and engraving workshop. Initially, Moser specialized in engraving blanks—embellishing glass pieces sourced from Loetz and other manufacturers. Over time, the company grew more innovative, eventually designing and producing its own glass from start to finish.

Moser’s reputation soared after the 1872 exhibition, where the company was awarded a medal and appointed the exclusive glass supplier to Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria. Throughout the late 19th century, Moser continued to earn international recognition, securing monumental commissions and numerous accolades. By 1900, the company had expanded significantly, employing 400 artisans.

Moser’s prestige carried well into the 20th century. As the official supplier to the Austrian imperial court, the brand cemented its reputation for excellence. In 1915, Moser triumphed over Louis Comfort Tiffany at an international exhibition, winning a prestigious prize for the exceptional quality of its hot-glass-applied decorations. The company thrived under Ludwig’s son, Leo Moser, who further refined its artistic and technical prowess.

However, Moser suffered setbacks due to the Great Depression and the turmoil of World War II. The glassworks fell into decline but was revived under communist rule, with the Czechoslovak government recognizing it as a symbol of national pride. Today, Moser continues to uphold its legacy, producing high-quality, ecologically friendly crystal with exquisite artistic designs and exclusive color applications.

How to identify Moser glass:

Material and Craftsmanship:
Crystal Base: Unlike other Bohemian glassworks, Moser initially focused on colorless, hard potash crystal, ideal for deep cutting and engraving.
Decorative Techniques: Early Moser pieces prominently featured intricate 24K gold gilt and engraving, often with floral or nature-inspired motifs.
Markings: All Moser vases will have a mold number on the bottom. Additionally, many, though not all, will have the mark reading “Moser.”

Late 19th – Early 20th Century:
During the Art Nouveau Era, Moser transitioned from clear glass to colored glass beginning with layered hues such as green, violet, pink, orange and blue. Engraved plant motifs and woodland creatures became a signature of this period.

1908–1915: Expansion of Color Use:
With Leo Moser as technical director, the brand pioneered deep-hued glass melting, including copper-infused ruby red. In, 1915 Moser introduced thick-walled, monochrome vases with precise facet cuts.

Loetz Glass

Loetz glass, celebrated for its iridescent beauty and innovative designs, stands as a hallmark of Art Nouveau elegance. The origins of Loetz trace back to 1836 in the Southern Bohemian town of Klostermühle (now Klášterský Mlýn in the Czech Republic), where Johann Eisner established a glassworks. After several ownership changes, Susanne Gerstner, the widow of glassmaker Johann Loetz, assumed control in 1855, expanding the company's operations and laying a foundation for excellence in crystal and painted glass. 

In 1879, Susanne's grandson, Maximilian von Spaun, took over the glassworks, ushering in a period of modernization and artistic experimentation. Inspired by contemporaries like Louis Comfort Tiffany, Loetz embraced the Art Nouveau movement, developing groundbreaking techniques, particularly in the use of iridescent finishes and organic forms. This led to the creation of the iconic Phänomen series, featuring swirling, lustrous patterns reminiscent of flowing water and molten metal.

How to Identify Loetz Glass:

Glass Composition: Loetz glass is renowned for its purity and vibrant colors, often featuring iridescent finishes that display a metallic sheen.
Decorative Techniques: Early Loetz pieces prominently featured intricate etching and engraving, often with floral or motifs.
Engraved Marks: Authentic Loetz pieces may feature engraved signatures, often found on the polished pontil. The most common is "Loetz Austria" in engraved script.
Acid Stamps: Some pieces, especially those produced after 1918, bear acid-stamped marks such as "CZECHO-SLOVAKIA" within an oval or "Made in Czech Slovakia" within a square.

Art Nouveau Influence (Late 19th – Early 20th Century):
Iridescent Finishes: Loetz developed unique iridescent glass techniques, resulting in finishes that display a metallic sheen.
Organic Forms: The glassworks embraced the Art Nouveau movement, creating designs with flowing, natural forms and motifs.

A Case for Collecting Bohemian Czech Crystal Glass

Bohemian glass stands apart through its medieval-inspired shaping process. Unlike other art glass traditions that rely solely on molding or freehand shaping, Bohemian glass undergoes a two-stage transformation: first blown into its general form, then meticulously cut to achieve its final shape.

The mastery of color application further sets Bohemian glass apart. Rather than simple surface treatments, artisans developed a sophisticated technique of layering colored glass, which they then hand-cut to reveal contrasting tones beneath. This deep-cutting technique creates striking three-dimensional effects, bringing figures and decorative motifs to life with remarkable depth and realism.

An age-old tradition that has been celebrated for centuries to come, this unique art form is here to stay. Interested in more art glass and antiques? Browse our many offerings today!