Zwischengoldglas

Zwischengoldglas is decoration using gold or silver leaf between two closely fitting glass vessels. It is documented in eighteenth-century Bohemia and Austria. The parts are joined with a cementing material rather than fused, unlike Hellenistic and Roman gold glass.

Corning Museum of Glass holds an armorial beaker from Bohemia, dated about 1748, with this construction. Object 79.3.1105 consists of two fitted glasses, the outer one ending below the inner rim. The coat of arms and ornament sit between the walls. It demonstrates that the technique can accompany cut surfaces and coloured details.

Distinguish decoration between the walls from gilding on the exterior of a single vessel. A gold colour alone does not establish the technique. Examine the construction and compare securely documented collection objects before assigning a date or origin.

Sources: Corning Museum of Glass: Zwischengoldglas; Corning Museum of Glass: våpenbeger 79.3.1105.