Burmese glass

Burmese glass
Name	Burmese glass
Caption	A late 19th-century Burmese glass vase by the Mount Washington Glass Company.
Type	Art glass
Invented	c. 1885
Inventor	Frederick Shirley
Company	Mount Washington Glass Company
Related	Peachblow glass, Coralene glass, Agate glass

Burmese glass. It is a type of late 19th-century art glass renowned for its distinctive shading from a soft yellow at the top to a delicate pink at the base. First developed by the Mount Washington Glass Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts, under the direction of superintendent Frederick Shirley, it achieved immense popularity during the Victorian era. Its unique coloration and satin-like finish made it a highly sought-after decorative material, epitomizing the Aesthetic Movement's fascination with soft, natural hues and artistic craftsmanship.

History and development

The creation of this glass is credited to Frederick Shirley at the Mount Washington Glass Company around 1885, during a period of intense innovation in American decorative arts. The formula was patented in the same year, granting the company exclusive production rights. Its immediate popularity led to high demand, famously including a large order from the Tiffany & Co. retail firm in New York City. Following the closure of the original company, the formula and rights were acquired by the Pairpoint Manufacturing Company, which continued its production into the early 20th century. The glass's aesthetic perfectly aligned with the tastes promoted by the Aesthetic Movement and designers like Oscar Wilde, influencing contemporary styles such as the Queen Anne style.

Characteristics and composition

This glass is characterized by its unique translucent, satin-matte surface achieved through a process of acid etching after firing. Its most defining feature is the seamless color gradient, typically shading from a warm lemon yellow to a soft rose pink, though other variations exist. Chemically, the distinctive yellow-to-pink color is derived from the inclusion of gold chloride and uranium oxide as colorants, with the uranium also causing the glass to fluoresce brightly under ultraviolet light. The body of the glass is a type of soda-lime glass, and its satin finish differentiates it from similar contemporaneous art glasses like Cameo glass or pâte de verre.

Manufacturing process

The production began with the careful batch mixing of silica, potash, and lime, to which precise amounts of gold chloride and uranium oxide were added. The molten glass was gathered on a blowpipe and either blown into a mold or hand-shaped by skilled gaffers. After annealing to relieve internal stresses, the cooled piece was immersed in a bath of hydrofluoric acid, which etched the surface to create the signature soft, satin finish. This acid treatment was a critical step developed at the Mount Washington Glass Company and required careful control to achieve a uniform texture without damaging the delicate coloration.

Colors and decorative techniques

While the classic yellow-to-pink shading is most iconic, examples can also be found in solid colors like white, blue, or green, often referred to as "opaque satin glass." Decorations were frequently applied through techniques such as enamel painting, gilding, or the application of raised Coralene beading. Many pieces feature hand-painted motifs of flowers, birds, or Japanese-inspired designs, reflecting the influence of Japonisme. The Pairpoint Manufacturing Company later produced items with elaborate painted scenes and applied patinaed bronze mounts, blending glassmaking with metalworking.

Uses and cultural significance

Primarily used for decorative objects, it was fashioned into a wide array of items including vases, bowls, lamp bases, punch bowls, and toilet sets. Its soft, romantic coloring made it exceptionally popular for boudoir furnishings and as prestige gifts during the Gilded Age. The glass embodies the Victorian era's love for novelty and artistic expression in the home, standing alongside other artistic innovations like Louis Comfort Tiffany's Favrile glass. It remains a prized collectible, symbolizing the peak of American art glass innovation in the late 19th century.

Notable collections and examples

Significant holdings are found in major museums dedicated to decorative arts, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London also house important pieces. Notable examples include the elaborate "King's Burmese" table lamp produced by Pairpoint and the many pieces originally sold through Tiffany & Co., which are now highlights of auctions at houses like Sotheby's and Christie's.

Category:Glass types Category:Art glass Category:Victorian decorative arts