Lithyalin glass

Lithyalin is opaque glass with a marbled surface resembling semiprecious stone. The Corning Museum of Glass associates its development with Friedrich Egermann in Bohemia. The term describes a glass type and appearance, not an object actually carved from stone.

A beaker in the museum's collection is attributed to Egermann's workshop and dated from 1830 to 1840, possibly 1839. It combines blowing, cutting, enamelling and gilding. The example demonstrates how stone-like glass can form part of complex decoration, but its details are not specifications for all lithyalin objects.

Describe material, marbling, form and decoration separately. A marble-like surface alone does not establish Egermann as the maker. Secure workshop attribution requires documented comparisons and provenance. Distinguish manufacturing traces from later wear and repairs before assessing condition and attribution.

Sources: Corning Museum of Glass: Lithyalin; Corning Museum of Glass: beger 50.3.110.