Posted 5 years ago
jimtim
(23 items)
Here is the color comparison I said I would post. The right one is the unknown Dek in Arcadia and of course the left is the previous post. I also included the other I/7 I have but it is not numbered. It is however the same color as the other one. After Craig's comment on the last post I went back to look at the other Candia pieces I have, Papillon, Astartig, and Wellenoptisch with silberiris and looking from the top through the pontil I could not see any color at all in the glass itself. I had often wondered what the difference between Candia and Kristal was because I could never see any difference between them myself. So, I searched everywhere for a description and could never find anything, and finally gave up. I assumed there had to be a difference. Now after Craig's comment I know that there is a gold tint to it. Still can't see it, but I know the difference. Now a question for the chemists out there. Is this because the oxide or chemical that is added to the batch the make the glass crystal clear is not added making it Candia or is there another reason?
As most know, I am certainly more focused on a different line of glass as my area of study and research, although I have a reasonably good knowledge of many types of Czech/Bohemian glass. It is entirely possible that I am wrong, and that my understanding of Loetz decor descriptions is not completely accurate. I have always understood that the ground color determined part of the name of the decor in many cases. As an example, a Papillon piece in a green ground would be referred to as a Crete Papillon, a blue ground would be a Cobalt Papillon, and a red ground would be Rubin Papillon. Similarly I sold a Weiss Argentan in clear ground, and own a pair of Rosa Argentans, which are pink. I am certainly open to being corrected, and would welcome an explanation that would add clarity to my understanding.
I am very glad you brought this up. I saw the pictures, never in person, of the Weiss Argentan but it never really clicked in my head that the ground color was clear. That would have confused me even more about three, well actually four if you count kristal also, different clear glass colors. Maybe finally someone can give us an explanation! Thanks Craig
I wonder if the term Kristall actually refers to it being "Lead Crystal", as opposed to simply a clear glass. Kristall translates to Crystal. Weiss as I said, translates to uncolored. There is always something to learn...... Gotta love it.
Hopefully Kai will be able to add some clarity.