Bohemian Glass

Celebrated for centuries as some of the most exceptional of European glasswork, Bohemian glass is arguably most acclaimed today for its late 19th and early 20th-century production. From producers such as Loetz to Ludwig Moser & Sons, producers in this turn-of-the-century generation crafted brilliant Bohemian glass pieces that channeled the leading tastes of the day along with the talents of their craftsmen.

Glassmaking in Bohemia, or the modern-day Czech Republic, dates back to the 13th century, but it was not until the 17th century that the tradition became popular. It was around this point that glassmakers began experimenting with new formats and innovative designs, which complemented the already high quality of their vessel's craftsmanship. By the end of the 19th century, the field of Bohemian glass exploded, with premier producers acclaimed for their designs.

One of the most noteworthy among this elite field was Loetz, whose Phänomen pieces rivaled those of contemporary L.C. Tiffany company with an unmatched luminescent finish alongside bold colors. Ludwig Moser & Sons also rose to prominence with their remarkably refined etched pieces, which created spectacular sparkle.

Quick Facts

• Bohemia gets its name from the ancient Boii, a Celtic tribe that migrated into the region around the 2nd century B.C. A powerful presence, the Boii even battled the Romans for control of the terrain
• Loetz put Bohemian glass on the map when one of the company's designs won the first prize at the Parisian Exposition Universelle in 1889
• One of the most celebrated artists to emerge from Bohemia was Alphonse Mucha, an iconic figure of the Art Nouveau whose designs ranges from posters to interior decorations