Water is living artwork that creates an endless variety of beautiful and artistic forms as it flows, freezes and evaporates. Glass has many properties reminiscent of water in that it is clear, it reflects light and it can change shapes as it transforms from liquid to solid. In an imitation of life, artists have employed many methods to shape glass into astonishing works of art, reminiscent, not just of water, but also of many natural and man made phenomena.
Glass that is composed of at least 24 lead oxide is known as lead crystal. This is actually a misnomer, as glass does not have a crystalline structure. The term lead crystal appears to have originated in Italy where the word cristallo was used to describe the rock crystal imitated by Murano glassmakers. This name is still used today to describe decorative hollowware.
What makes lead crystal special is that the lead content creates reflective properties that allow it to separate light into its component spectra, creating a prism or rainbow effect. Lead crystal is cut to take advantage of this phenomenon such that each cut creates a prism and the piece becomes a new and fascinating work of art from any angle.
The revolution in lead crystal began in 1895 when Austrian glasscutter Daniel Swarovski patented a machine for precision cutting of crystals. He then began experimenting with making crystals themselves and, in 1913, created a formula for flawless crystals. Considered to be the finest in the world, this crystal contains a minimum of 32 lead oxide, making it very dense and maximizing the reflective properties of the crystal. Swarovski crystal is used to make many beautiful objects from fine jewelry to handbags to home accessories. However, the most beloved and delightful may be the crystal figurines.
Crystal figurines make wonderful gifts and are highly collectible, especially if made from genuine Swarovski crystal. They come in a wide variety of themes to please any collector or lover of fine objects of art. Two of the most popular objects of crystal art are birds and flowers.
From the delicate petals of a rose or iris to a sturdy cactus or a brilliant sunflower, the flower has been the subject of most art forms. To recreate the delicacy of a flower in the powerful form of lead crystal is a tribute to the artist and the medium. Likewise, to create the illusion of flight or to represent the delicacy of a swan’s proud form, a crystal cutter must be a master of his craft.
Many other animals are also the subjects of crystal art. Bears make an ever popular subject for crystal cutters, but so do reindeer, elephants, pigs, dogs, bunnies and kangaroos. Ocean going creatures such as dolphins, fish and turtles are also very popular. Almost any animal that is loved can be recreated in crystal form.
It doesn’t stop there, though. Many man made objects are also rendered in artistic replication as crystal figurines. Continuing the ocean theme, lighthouses, treasure chests and ships are very popular. And on the subject of transportation, planes, trains, trucks, and even the Starship Enterprise, make an appearance.
Through technical chemical and manufacturing processes, high quality crystal and precision cutting techniques have allowed the creation of a fine form of art. Crystal figurines are a wonderful representation of that art and should be enjoyed by one and all.
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