Exactly what is Bohemian Glass and why is it collectible?

Bohemian glass it a kind of art glass that has its origins in the Czech Republic, in a region known as Bohemia, although a neighbor in the area, Silesia also makes glass that is done in that same distinctive Bohemian style.

The Bohemian glass was world famous for its quality and appearance and today many glass factories and glass works in the Czech republic produce Bohemian glass, making what are replicas if older glass patterns, and capitalizing on the reputation of the Bohemian glass quality, although it may or may not be of that same quality.

Bohemia was famed for its glass making since about the 14th century and in the 17th and 18th century’s it was amazingly popular, with artists famed the world over who produced decorative glassware, and developing techniques that are still in use to this very day.

One of the most famed glasswares of this region is lead crystal,which the Bohemian area was uniquely suited to produce, given the natural resources of the area.

Lead crystal continues to be one of the most prolifically made products for this region, along with enameled glass and reverse painted glass.

Traditionally Bohemian glassware is very rich in color and decoration, is often multi-faceted and engraved, etched or painted. The glass itself has a remarkable patina, and whle it may be thin and delicate, is surprisingly strong.

Purchase of Bohemian glassware is an art, and sometimes it will be difficult to authenticate, so having someone with you when you head out to purchse this type glass is a good idea.

You will find it in multiple venues, dependent upon what youw ant, including upscale department stores, shops and antiques stores, which type of glass will be a great deal more costly.

Bohemian glass should be purchased with care, as the copies, as with any other type of glass, are going to be far less valuable.