Art glass refers to glass that has been worked into a form that can be considered a thing of beauty and decoration. Although art glass comes in many forms and some do have a purpose, most items are merely decorative pieces and for good reason - they are stunningly beautiful. Enjoy these pieces of art glass and you'll be wishing you had some of your own.
1 Art Nouveau Vase
Some of the most beautiful art glass was produced in the Art Nouveau period - a time where the organic form was most revered. This was produced by the Kralik works in Bohemia.
2 Glass Chandelier
This incredible light fitting is by modern glass artist Dale Chihuly. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts describes his works as "unique"
3 Art Glass Marbles
West Virginian artist Eddie Seese produces truly stunning blown glass marbles - they're usually quite small, most being less than 3 inches.
4 Amber Horn
A beautiful nature-inspired piece.
5 Hand Blown Art Nouveau Vase
This gold embellished beauty was crafted by Czech artist Alfons Mucho II.
6 "Lime, Ruby & Aqua Foglio" Art Glass Vessel
American David Patchen uses techniques perfected in Venice to produce his unique high colored art glass.
7 Art Nouveau Vase in Metal Armature
Rindskopf was a Bohemian glass producer. This vase dates to around 1890.
8 "Large Flamenco Vase"
Created by Thomas Kelly, I think he's really captured the feel of movement of the Flamenco dancer.
9 Art Nouveau Claret Jug with Silver Plated Top and Handle,
Iridescent colors are a major feature of Art Nouveau art glass.
10 Chihuly Glass Paperweight
Paperweights are an affordable way of having your own art glass.
11 "Flat Transparent Banded Vortex Salmon Florida Cranberry"
If you've got $650 you can buy this piece by Michael Trompol (he's got lots of cheaper stuff too on his website.).
12 Glass Wave
The composition of this is a-maz-ing. It was inspired by the ocean in Kalapana, Hawaii and created by Moe Hot Glass. (And it will cost you $1450!) They make some incredible pieces inspired by the volcanoes of Hawaii too.
13 April Showers
Made by Delphi from stained glass, copper and brass. Made to function as a flower vase or just to look fab-u-lous.
14 Murano Art Glass Footed Cranberry Vase
Venice glass making started in the really early middle ages but gained a great name when all the glass blowers from the city were relocated to the island of Murano in 1291 (fear of fire was the reason). The still operating factories are a major tourist attraction today.
15 "Carnivorous"
Jason Gamrath created this eye-catching stylization of pitcher plants.
16 Blue Drop Vase
This is the work of Caleb Siemon and Carmen Salazar.
17 Dr. Feelgood
James Alloway is a Portland artist and has brought some innovative techniques to art glass. This uses "back painting"
18 Purple Pumpkin
I'd be very happy to have my papers kept in order with this gorgeous paperweight.
19 Art Glass Sculpture
Kela's Glass is made in a studio in Hawaii. This form is so wonderfully organic.
20 Koi Fish and Lilies
Cynthia Myers produces her lovely work in sand-carved art glass in California.
21 "Davos"
René Lalique is an icon among glass makers and art glass collectors. He started a glass making firm in the 1920s and they are still producing fine work today. His Art Deco pieces and glass car mascots are the most sought after. The above is from 1932.
22 Mango Pods
This was made in 2011 by Robert Mickelson, a Florida glass artist.
23 Gold Dragonfly Pitcher
Emilé Gallé is one of the greatest names in Art Nouveau glass alongside Loetz and Daum.
24 "Tanega Vase"
This is an example of the Lalique factory's modern work. This piece was crafted in 1988.
25 "Salmon Sculpture"
This glass and bronze sculpture is the work of Georgia and Joseph Pozycinski
26 "Black Cherries"
I am so in love with these and not just because cherries are my favorite fruit. Created by Donald Carlson.
27 1900 Vase
Kralik was a Bohemian glasshouse that was a rival to Loetz and Daum.
28 Peacock Art Glass
Stunning colors captured in the work of Californian studio, Lundburg.
29 "Amethyst Dichroic Vase"
The artistry of Ingrid and Ken Hanson, a husband and wife team working in California.
30 Enameled Butterflies
Opened in 1857, Moser is among the most collected 20th century decorative glass and the factory s still making glass today in Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic.
31 Glass Bird
The birds of Shane Fero have realistic shapes but fanciful colors.
32 Amethyst Gingko Vase
The organic form of gingko was a series created by French glass house Daum.
33 "Goccia"
Sinuous and swanlike. The work of Italian-American artist Victor Chiarizia.
34 Art Nouveau Art Glass Vase
An awesomely beautiful iridescent vase from Loetz circa 1900.
35 "Garden Variety Teapot" in Hyacinth
Bob and Laurie Kliss are another pair of Californian glass artists. They describe their work as "offhand"
36 Teardrop Paperweight
The patterns the artists can crate when blowing glass are incredible - like this one by. Adam Jablonksi.
37 Jellyfish
Another wonderful example of the art glass produced in Kela's Studio in Hawaii.
38 Art Nouveau Enameled Art Glass Vase
Attributed to Lobmeyer, a 19th century Austrian glass maker.
39 Glass Creamer
Moser's fine quality was extended to practical objects and dinner ware too.
40 Crystal Cobalt Blue Vase
Czech crystal glass is known for its precision cutting.
41 QUEZAL ART GLASS VASE
I'm so in love with the colors of this piece.
42 ART GLASS VASE with GILT BRONZE MOUNTS
And just for the purpose of being indulgent, this is another glorious piece by Loetz.
Aren't they all beautiful? I'd have any of them! I like the antique Art Nouveau ones best - what about you: modern or antique?
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