Botanical Etched Antique Glass (10cm height)

The quietly etched memory of plants
The handiwork of an era, emerging in the light

Product Description:
This is an antique glass with delicate botanical motifs etched into it. Soft lines reminiscent of leaves, stems, and fruits are carved into the highly transparent glass, quietly changing expression depending on the angle of the light. The etching is not printed; it is created by a technique of carving away the glass surface, conveying the skilled craftsmanship of artisans from that era. The overall form is a stable, simple shape, making it a piece that balances decorativeness and practicality. When a drink is poured, the botanical patterns emerge through the liquid, creating a depth not found in modern glasses. (R080215)

Specifications:
・Category: Antique Glass
・Material: Glass
・Decoration: Botanical pattern etching
・Height: Approx. 10 cm
・Rim diameter: Approx. 7 cm (estimated)
・Period: Estimated early to mid-20th century
・Country of origin: Europe (details unknown)
・Condition: Minor scuffs due to age (no cracks or chips)
　※As an antique item, there may be individual differences and subtle variations from the time of manufacture.

Recommended Points:
・Quiet decorativeness created by botanical etching
・Soft, organic line expressions not found in modern mass-produced goods
・Practical size suitable for both drinking and display
・Significant presence even as a single piece, also beautiful as a set
・Design that is easy for antique beginners to incorporate

Special Notes:
"Etched decoration" from the late 19th to early 20th century differs considerably from current mass-produced glass in both technique and philosophy. Etching in glass from this period refers to a general term for techniques that create patterns by "carving or eroding" the glass surface. The important point is that it is not a colored decoration, but rather a physical and chemical alteration of the surface. The most common technique, "acid etching," involves applying an acid-resistant mask (wax or resin) to the glass surface, exposing only the pattern areas. By immersing or applying hydrofluoric acid, etc., only the exposed areas are chemically eroded and become cloudy white. The mask is then removed, and the process is complete. The surface becomes uniformly and softly cloudy, with lines that are not too sharp, creating a hazy texture that is very suitable for botanical and geometric patterns. Other methods include wheel cutting and sandblasting, but this glass is believed to have been made with "acid etching." Around 1900, a return to nature, organic curves, and plants, flowers, vines, and fruits were strongly favored. This stemmed from Art Nouveau sensibilities (nature = beauty, rejection of artificial straight lines). Therefore, "natural imperfections" such as lines of leaves fading midway, ambiguous outlines of fruits, and imperfect symmetry were intentionally created.

※Research based on AI analysis.