The History of Etched Glass
Etched glass is artistic carvings made on glass, which appear as frosted white finishing on it. Etched glass can be seen on a variety of decorative objects made of glass and is popularly used in glass doors, windows, wine glasses and bottles, furniture and serving platters. Many different kinds of decorations can be made using etching on the glass. The work is entirely done by hand and can be quite exquisite if done correctly. The art of glass etching has been practiced since the 15th century.
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Initial Years of Glass Etching
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The earliest form of etched glass art work dates back to the primitive glass etching dates back to the 15th Century, gold leaves were scratched for decorative purposes. About two hundred years later, the etchings were made using diamond points. Much of these etchings were used to decorate mirrors and since they were expensive, such decorations were only possessed by the wealthy class of people.
Development of Etching Techniques
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In around 1725, copper wheel engraving was first introduced. In this technique, the glass is cut using a cooper disk. The glass was rotated in a lathe which had abrasive surfaces. The glass was slowly moved and offered to the fixed copper disk which made the cuts. This technique aided in mass production. Acid etching was developed in the 1860s and the cutting was finer and more exquisite using this method of etching.
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Modern Day Etching Techniques
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In the late 19th century, means of imitating acid etching were discovered using sand blasting. Where traditionally, etching was done after the glass was cast, the modern methods of integrated the two processes. In the modern times, cutting of the glass and etching it are combined to give the glass a more classy finish. The casts of the glass have the designs on them so that the designs are transferred to the glass when it is cast.
Famous Etched Glass Artefacts
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Etched glass was made famous throughout Europe during the Victorian era. While most of the wealthy people owned beautiful pieces of etched glass, such as Saint Louis Cristallerie etched glass vase, which is a rare antique in the modern times, there were others who saved the most expensive etched glass artworks to be framed on their doors and windows. In the modern times, etched glass manufacturing has made it commonplace and the value of this art has depreciated.
Latest Developments in Etched Glass
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Since the acids used in the acid etching technique were very hazardous to health, etching has gone back to using abrasive methods. The new methods have led to low costs of mass production and therefore etched glass is no longer a rarity. However, the antique etching artwork is still considered collectible.
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