Stipple engraving of glass

Stipple engraving builds a design from numerous small points in the surface of glass. The points are made by tapping with a hard, pointed tool, often diamond-tipped. The technique is also called stippling.

Points that create tones

Changing the distance between points allows intermediate tones and modelling of a subject. The Rijksmuseum demonstrates how these dotted images can represent figurative scenes and portraits. Examine details under magnification and with light from the side to make surface marks easier to inspect.

Distinguish similar decoration

Scratched diamond-point engraving draws lines into the surface, whereas stipple engraving builds the subject point by point. Wheel engraving uses a rotating wheel and is a different working method. Each object needs examination; a decorative subject alone does not establish how it was made.

Corning Museum of Glass also uses stippling for a dotted texture incorporated into the mould of certain pressed glass. A dotted surface therefore does not by itself establish hand engraving. Record where the points occur, how they form the subject and what other marks are observable.

Identification and selling

The technique alone establishes neither artist, glassworks nor age. Practical example: document a glass bearing a stipple-engraved portrait with an overall photograph, a detail of the decoration, and views of the foot and base. Keep any signature and earlier documentation with the object without interpreting an uncertain signature as a confirmed artist’s name.

Next step

Browse glass and crystal at OBA. To offer decorated glass for sale, send photographs for assessment of a possible purchase. Mention visible damage and known history.