Wednesday, March 23, 2011

In Gazette #1132 we saw a Green Aurene vase with an exhibit copy label discussion on its calcite base glass.

Dick Stark of Bethesda, Maryland raises the question—

Weren’t many of those done on alabaster ?

I thought it was calcite but Rockwell’s son told me I was wrong with regard to my specific red one. I have a pair of greens like the one you sent and assumed that they are generally alike.

#1132

Decorated Green on Calcite with Gold Aurene Pulled Feather and Drag Loop Decoration

Calcite and Aurene Colored Glass

Calcite glass was formulated to achieve the fine line between opacity and translucency and found a utilitarian use in lighting fixtures. Carder was very proud that Steuben’s Calcite Glass transmitted a soft, white light and was very popular for not only institutional but also residential use.

Technical Note: The feathering effect is created through “hooked decoration technique”. This technique is executed by pulling threads of glass with a hook-shaped tool. Not only would this technique produce feathering but also chevrons and line decorations.

www.cardersteubenclub.org

Any opinions expressed by participants to the Gazette are the opinions of the authors and are not endorsed by or the opinions of the Carder Steuben Club.