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Questions and Answers
Which civilization is credited with the start of real glassmaking during the 18th dynasty?
Which civilization is credited with the start of real glassmaking during the 18th dynasty?
What significant glassmaking breakthrough did the Syrian craftsmen make around 200 BC?
What significant glassmaking breakthrough did the Syrian craftsmen make around 200 BC?
Where were the earliest man-made glass objects, mainly non-transparent glass beads, found?
Where were the earliest man-made glass objects, mainly non-transparent glass beads, found?
Which technique did Egyptian glassmakers develop during the Ptolemaic Dynasty?
Which technique did Egyptian glassmakers develop during the Ptolemaic Dynasty?
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When did real glassmaking begin in Egypt?
When did real glassmaking begin in Egypt?
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What items were Egyptian glassmakers known for producing during the 18th dynasty?
What items were Egyptian glassmakers known for producing during the 18th dynasty?
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Which process involves varicolored glass canes being fused to form rods, which are then sliced to make colorful patterns?
Which process involves varicolored glass canes being fused to form rods, which are then sliced to make colorful patterns?
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What material contributed to the accidental creation of glazes on ceramics in ancient Mesopotamia?
What material contributed to the accidental creation of glazes on ceramics in ancient Mesopotamia?
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What is a characteristic of Murano glass?
What is a characteristic of Murano glass?
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What material was added by George Ravenscroft to revolutionize glass-making in England?
What material was added by George Ravenscroft to revolutionize glass-making in England?
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Which style is most associated with Emile Galle’s work in French glass production?
Which style is most associated with Emile Galle’s work in French glass production?
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What is a significant feature of Baccarat glass production?
What is a significant feature of Baccarat glass production?
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What was the primary innovation of René Lalique in glass-making?
What was the primary innovation of René Lalique in glass-making?
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Which type of glass resembles porcelain and is known as Milk Glass?
Which type of glass resembles porcelain and is known as Milk Glass?
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Which country experienced a decline in glass-making supremacy due to innovations in Germany and the Netherlands?
Which country experienced a decline in glass-making supremacy due to innovations in Germany and the Netherlands?
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What unique quality does milk glass possess when held to the light?
What unique quality does milk glass possess when held to the light?
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Which type of glass is known for its clear note and beauty?
Which type of glass is known for its clear note and beauty?
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Who invented Tiffany Glass?
Who invented Tiffany Glass?
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Where was Wistarburg Ware developed?
Where was Wistarburg Ware developed?
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Which glass type is associated with the reign of Emperor K'ang Hsi?
Which glass type is associated with the reign of Emperor K'ang Hsi?
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Which type of glass was known for being tough and was heavily exported from Ireland?
Which type of glass was known for being tough and was heavily exported from Ireland?
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What unique feature is noted for Peking Glass snuff bottles?
What unique feature is noted for Peking Glass snuff bottles?
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What was a significant contribution of Caspar Wistar to American glassmaking?
What was a significant contribution of Caspar Wistar to American glassmaking?
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Which type of American glass is also known as Favrile glass?
Which type of American glass is also known as Favrile glass?
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Which property is not typically associated with metals?
Which property is not typically associated with metals?
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Which of the following metals is an example of a ferrous metal?
Which of the following metals is an example of a ferrous metal?
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What is a characteristic of nonferrous metals?
What is a characteristic of nonferrous metals?
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Which production technique involves forming metal into a shape by pouring it in a fluid state into a mold?
Which production technique involves forming metal into a shape by pouring it in a fluid state into a mold?
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Which finishing technique is described as involving the reaction of various solutions on the metal surface?
Which finishing technique is described as involving the reaction of various solutions on the metal surface?
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Which of the following is NOT a method of mechanical finishing?
Which of the following is NOT a method of mechanical finishing?
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What is the primary benefit of anodized coatings on aluminum surfaces?
What is the primary benefit of anodized coatings on aluminum surfaces?
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Which production technique uses a pressure ram to force semi-molten material through a die?
Which production technique uses a pressure ram to force semi-molten material through a die?
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Which process involves cooling glass slowly from a molten state?
Which process involves cooling glass slowly from a molten state?
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Which term refers to threads of white or colored glass within clear glass?
Which term refers to threads of white or colored glass within clear glass?
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What is the correct term for a large full-length mirror?
What is the correct term for a large full-length mirror?
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Which glass type involves creating patterns by using a diamond wheel to cut the glass surface?
Which glass type involves creating patterns by using a diamond wheel to cut the glass surface?
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What term refers to glassware made by the Romans that is often opalescent?
What term refers to glassware made by the Romans that is often opalescent?
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What is the name of the process that finds its origins with Richardson’s of Stourbridge, England, in 1857?
What is the name of the process that finds its origins with Richardson’s of Stourbridge, England, in 1857?
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Which term describes glass that has been coated with metallic oxides to create a shimmering effect?
Which term describes glass that has been coated with metallic oxides to create a shimmering effect?
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Which term refers to the glass ornaments often made using diamond wheels?
Which term refers to the glass ornaments often made using diamond wheels?
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Which method involves using the direct flame of a torch for glass working?
Which method involves using the direct flame of a torch for glass working?
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Which process is described as removing layers of glass by bombardment with fine grains of sand?
Which process is described as removing layers of glass by bombardment with fine grains of sand?
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What is the term 'slag' commonly associated with?
What is the term 'slag' commonly associated with?
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What purity level does sterling silver indicate?
What purity level does sterling silver indicate?
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What process is described by reheating steel or iron at a lower temperature to soften it?
What process is described by reheating steel or iron at a lower temperature to soften it?
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What is tole typically made from?
What is tole typically made from?
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On what materials is verdigris typically found?
On what materials is verdigris typically found?
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Which metal is known to be corrosion-resistant due to the addition of chromium?
Which metal is known to be corrosion-resistant due to the addition of chromium?
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Which steel relies primarily on its carbon content for structure?
Which steel relies primarily on its carbon content for structure?
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Which material is best known for minimizing energy loss during electrical applications?
Which material is best known for minimizing energy loss during electrical applications?
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Which metal is extensively used for furniture making and architectural accents due to its flexibility and strength?
Which metal is extensively used for furniture making and architectural accents due to its flexibility and strength?
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Which material forms a green patina over prolonged exposure to the elements?
Which material forms a green patina over prolonged exposure to the elements?
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Which metal is used in electrical wiring due to its second-highest conductivity?
Which metal is used in electrical wiring due to its second-highest conductivity?
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What is the main concern when electroplating aluminum with copper or nickel?
What is the main concern when electroplating aluminum with copper or nickel?
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Which finish is described as having a hard, resistant surface and comes in a broad color range?
Which finish is described as having a hard, resistant surface and comes in a broad color range?
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Which alloy is susceptible to patina and tarnishes easily, often requiring a coat of lacquer?
Which alloy is susceptible to patina and tarnishes easily, often requiring a coat of lacquer?
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Which material is commonly used for modern interiors due to its light weight and corrosion resistance?
Which material is commonly used for modern interiors due to its light weight and corrosion resistance?
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Which type of paint should not be used on aluminum?
Which type of paint should not be used on aluminum?
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Which metal is known for its durability and extensive use in plumbing supply pipes and fittings?
Which metal is known for its durability and extensive use in plumbing supply pipes and fittings?
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Why is cast iron not extensively used in decorative arts?
Why is cast iron not extensively used in decorative arts?
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What property makes wrought iron suitable for door and fireplace hardware?
What property makes wrought iron suitable for door and fireplace hardware?
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Which alloy of copper and tin is known for being cast with great ease and used widely for statues?
Which alloy of copper and tin is known for being cast with great ease and used widely for statues?
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What is pig iron?
What is pig iron?
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What characteristic does steel have that lies between cast and wrought iron?
What characteristic does steel have that lies between cast and wrought iron?
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Which of the following is not a typical use of steel?
Which of the following is not a typical use of steel?
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What is a common way to make iron corrosion resistant?
What is a common way to make iron corrosion resistant?
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Why is paint used on aluminum surfaces?
Why is paint used on aluminum surfaces?
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What is Roman Glass generally characterized by?
What is Roman Glass generally characterized by?
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What type of glass did Roman architecture sometimes use to enclose wall openings?
What type of glass did Roman architecture sometimes use to enclose wall openings?
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Which type of Roman Glass involved grinding away the upper layer to create a design?
Which type of Roman Glass involved grinding away the upper layer to create a design?
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Which type of glass is sometimes referred to as Roman Glass?
Which type of glass is sometimes referred to as Roman Glass?
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What does Doppelwand Glass enclose between two clear panels?
What does Doppelwand Glass enclose between two clear panels?
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What feature characterizes Snake-Threaded Glass?
What feature characterizes Snake-Threaded Glass?
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What did Venetian glassmakers develop in the 13th and 14th centuries?
What did Venetian glassmakers develop in the 13th and 14th centuries?
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What is Aventurine Glass known for?
What is Aventurine Glass known for?
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Which silversmith worked in New York?
Which silversmith worked in New York?
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Which type of metal is used to coat steel for improved corrosion resistance?
Which type of metal is used to coat steel for improved corrosion resistance?
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What material kept the best American silver work tradition alive?
What material kept the best American silver work tradition alive?
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Which technique involves engraving on copper using a resinous solution of nitric acid?
Which technique involves engraving on copper using a resinous solution of nitric acid?
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What is ferroalloy commonly used for?
What is ferroalloy commonly used for?
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Which material characteristic is typically achieved through the repoussé technique?
Which material characteristic is typically achieved through the repoussé technique?
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Which term refers to the process of treating iron or steel with acid to remove rust and dirt?
Which term refers to the process of treating iron or steel with acid to remove rust and dirt?
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Who is one of the best-known Boston silversmiths?
Who is one of the best-known Boston silversmiths?
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Where does the term 'Dinandrie' originate from?
Where does the term 'Dinandrie' originate from?
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What is the primary component of a ferroalloy?
What is the primary component of a ferroalloy?
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Study Notes
The Origins and Development of Glass
- The earliest man-made glass objects date back to around 3500 BC, found in Egypt and Eastern Mesopotamia.
- In the third millennium, glass production in central Mesopotamia was mainly used for glazes on pots and vases.
- The discovery of glass may have been coincidental, with calciferous sand combining with soda to form a colored glaze on ceramics.
- Phoenician merchants and sailors spread the art of glassmaking along the coasts of the Mediterranean.
Egyptian Glass
- Glass production in Egypt started around 1375 BC, with the discovery of a glass furnace in Tell-et-Amana.
- The Ptolemaic Dynasty saw the development of a new technique called Mosaic glass.
- Mosaic glass involved lightly fusing varicolored glass canes together, extending them to the required length and thickness, and then slicing them laterally.
- The slices were then laid side by side in a mold and fused to form a colored pattern.
Mesopotamian Glass
- The oldest records of glass production date back to around 1700 BC in Mesopotamia.
- Assyrian glass employed similar processes to Egyptian glass.
- The technique of glassblowing was discovered around 200 BC, enabling the production of thin-walled, fine glasses in various shapes.
Murano Glass
- Named after a suburb in Venice, Murano glass is exceptionally light and delicate.
- It was modeled into extraordinary shapes in a variety of colors and was never cut.
German Glass
- The development of new glass formulas in Germany and the Netherlands weakened Italy's supremacy in the 16th-17th century.
- German glass was well-suited to wheel-engraved decoration.
French Glass
- The first production of French glass occurred in 1665, with the use of large plate mirrors in the "Gallerie des Glaces" at Versailles Palace.
- France formally entered the glass market in the 19th century, with Emile Galle's Art Nouveau style.
Baccarat Glass
- Developed in Baccarat, France, with a lead composition.
- Clear, bubble-free, and highly prized for its clarity.
- Cut glass was a Baccarat specialty.
Lalique Glass
- Developed by René Lalique in the early 20th century.
- Characterized by luminous, transparent glass ornamented by pressing and alternating polished and dull surfaces.
- Produced decorative glass and figurines in the Art Nouveau style.
English Glass
- In 1675, George Ravenscroft made a discovery that revolutionized glassmaking.
- He added lead oxide to the raw materials, producing a glass that was heavier, stronger, and more brilliant.
Bristol Glass
- Known for its white, opaque milky glass, known as Milk Glass.
- Resembles porcelain or Battersea enamel in tint.
Irish Glass
- Glassworks flourished in Ireland during the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Irish glass is known for its toughness and beauty.
American Glass
- The beginning of the 20th century saw the emergence of Art Nouveau glass decorations in the United States.
- Stiegel glass was developed by Henri William Stiegel, who established an iron foundry in Pennsylvania.
- Wistarburg Ware was developed by Caspar Wistar in New Jersey, characterized by blown glass with ornamental forms.
Chinese Glass
- Peking Glass was made in Peking during the reign of Emperor K'ang Hsi.
- Patiently carved in the form of small, traditionally shaped vases and snuff bottles.
- Clear, solid-colored, and overlay glass in two or more colors.
Glossary of Glass Terms
- Acid etching: a process of etching the surface of glass with hydrofluoric acid to create a design.
- Ancient glass: generally refers to glass made before the Venetian era.
- Anneal: to cool glass slowly from a molten state to remove any strain.
- Antique glass: a trade term for glass more than 25 years old.
- Blown glass: shaping glass by blowing air through a hollow rod into the center of a molten glass gather.
Metals
- Definition: a class of elementary substances that are crystalline when solid, and many of which are characterized by opacity, ductility, conductivity, and a unique luster when freshly fractured.
Categories of Metals
- Ferrous metals: consist mostly of iron, such as steel.
- Nonferrous metals: contain little or no iron, generally have good corrosion resistance, and are nonmagnetic.
Production Techniques of Metals
- Casting: forming a material into a particular shape by pouring it in a fluid state into a mold.
- Extrusion: producing shapes by forcing semi-molten material through a die.
- Forging: forming metal by hammering, pressing, or rolling.
Metal Finishes
- Mechanical finishes: accomplished by buffing, grinding, polishing, or otherwise texturing the metal surface.
- Chemical finishes: involve the reaction of various solutions on the metal surface.
- Electrolytic finishes: based on the specific ability of aluminum to develop a protective coating of oxide on its surface.
Metals Used in the Decorative Arts
- Iron: a metal that is considered to be the most abundant, can rust when exposed to damp air, but does not change when in protected places.
- Steel: a metal that is halfway between cast and wrought iron, known for its hardness, high polish, and elasticity.
- Aluminum: a metal that is essentially modern, known for its unique combination of properties, including lightness, strength, and corrosion resistance.
- Copper: a metal that is readily available, soft, and easily fabricated, known for its orange- or reddish-brown color.
- Brass: an alloy of copper and zinc, known for its bright yellowish appearance and high polish.
- Bronze: an alloy of copper and tin, known for its rich golden-brown color and use in statues.
Stainless Steel
- A type of steel that is inherently corrosion resistant due to the addition of chromium.
- Popular for use in commercial interiors and kitchen utensils.
Carbon Steel
- A type of steel that relies on the carbon content for structure.
- Most of the steel produced in the world is carbon steel.
Electrical Steel
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A type of steel that includes silicon, allowing it to minimize energy loss during electrical applications.### American Silversmiths
-
Cornelius Kierstead worked in New York
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John Coney and Paul Revere are the best known of the Boston silversmiths
Steel Terms
- Aquatint: a method of engraving on copper by using a resinous solution of nitric acid
- Cadmium Plating: a protective plating for steel, often used for wood screws
- Dinandrie: a 15th-century metal alloy, the ancestor of pewter, combining copper, tin, and lead
- Damascene Work: a type of metal inlay, where the design is incised by acid applications on a metal base, and filled with wires or different metals
- Ferroalloy: a metal product containing iron and other metals, used as a raw material feed in steelmaking
- Firebacks: metal linings, often ornamented, placed in a fireplace to reflect heat and protect the masonry
- Galvanizing: the process of coating steel with a layer of zinc to provide corrosion resistance
- Ingot: steel cast in a metal mold, ready for rolling or forging
- Ironwork: decorative, hand-forged iron or cast iron grilles, screens, gates, and grates
- Mounts: ornamental or utilitarian metal work, such as handles, drawer pulls, and escutcheons
- Pickling: treating the surface of iron or steel with acid to remove scale, rust, and dirt
- Repousse: relief work on metal materials, where the design is pushed out by hammering the material on the reverse side
- Scale: oxide of iron that forms on the surface of steel after heating
- Sheet: wide, flat-rolled steel, generally less than 3 mm thick
Materials of Decoration
Roman Glass (1st century B.C.)
- Developed in all phases of glass making
- Characterized by filigree, mosaic, and engraved decors
- Used translucent sheets of alabaster or mica as window material
- Cameo Glass: a process of grinding away the upper of two superimposing layers of glass to leave a design standing on a ground of contrasting color
- Phoenician Glass: sometimes referred to as Roman Glass, refers to the products of the entire Mediterranean transported by Phoenician merchants
- Doppelwand Glass: enclosed etched gold or silver designs between two clear panels
- Snake-Threaded Glass: flasks and goblets decorated with ribbons of colored glass trailed on in fantastic patterns and notched with a transverse ribbed effect
Venetian Glass (13th-14th Centuries)
- Developed soda lime glass, termed Cristallo, which is thin and clear
- Aventurine Glass: glass that includes glittering gold particles
Other Materials
- Slag: a non-metallic material forming a molten layer on top of the molten steel in a steel furnace, or loosely applied to any waste material drawn off in molten form
- Sterling: a term used in connection with silverware, indicating that the silver is 92 1/2 percent pure
- Tempering: the process of softening steel or iron by reheating it at a lower temperature than its previous hardening
- Tole: useful or decorative objects made of tin and ornamented with painted or enameled patterns
- Verdigris: a greenish patina found on aged brass, bronze, or copper
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Description
Learn about different materials used for decoration, including electroplating and porcelain or vitreous enamel. Discover their properties and applications.
