When describing glass, or crystal, refers to an ancient artisan tradition from the Bohemian and Silesia regions (now the Czech Republic).
This high quality glass, achieved through using potash is renowned for its optical purity, refractive qualities and wide array of colours–factors that for a time put English and Venetian glass in serious competition.
Bohemian crystal comes in a variety of finishes: skilfully hand-cut, engraved with decorative designs (lace patterns, for example), enamelled or including figurative designs, and made into a wide range of interior fittings and decorations: priceless chandeliers and lights, exquisite glassware, lamp bases, vases, perfume bottles… Historic pieces are highly collectable, and new pieces still produced by reputable factories and workshops.