Second Most Sought After

A Guide to Colored Steuben Glass 1903 – 1933 (Book I) by Eric E. Ericson

pp.43-45

CLUTHRA

The second most sought after Steuben item in colored crystal is the ware known by this name. Nineteenth Century European in origin, where undoubtedly Mr. Carder first saw some, it remained for his Steuben Glass Works to perfect it to a magnificent degree of creative effort.

As with items in the Acid Cut Back category, Cluthra was not produced in any great quantity, though most certainly a much greater number were crafted than the former.

Another similarity between Cluthra and Acid Cut backs is the size, usually quite large and similarly thick and heavy. In Mr. Carder’s home we were privileged to see some ash trays of this glass, so it is quite possible for one to find a cabinet-sized item.

Shape: 6302

Form: Ash Tray

Color: Amethyst Cluthra

Component Colors: Handle: Colorless Quartz

Type: Cluthra

Size: 5.5 in long

….
The manufacture of Cluthra was carried on at periodic intervals, approximately between 1915 to 1933.

Two basic types of Cluthra exist: the solidly impregnated colored ware, and the shade type. The former has uniform color from rim to base, while the latter has color from the rim and fades to a white, roughly from ½ to 1/3 the distance from the base. Either type is very desirable. In vases with a tall conical shape, the pedestal base will not be of Cluthra, but either clear crystal or colored crystal.
….

The processes of heating caused the colored crystal to fuse with the clear, and upon reheating, prior to working into the desired shape, the chemical additive burst into a gaseous mass of bubbles, which in the finished product resembles miniature fried eggs, ranging from 1/8 inch diameter to as large as one inch in diameter. The entire object presents a view of cloudiness, much in the manner of cirro-stratus cloud formations (wool-pack). The white crystal blends with the colored crystal and many subtle shadings can be seen. This results in a translucent glass on which the bubbles can be felt by running the fingers over either the interior or exterior surface.

Shape: 8514

Form: Vase

Layered Colors: Green over Rose Cluthra

Component Colors: Handles: Colorless

Type: Acid Etched

Etching: Chang

Size: 12.5 in high

Description: The factory records say this is “Green over Rose & White Cluthra”

Shape: 7002

Form: Vase

Layered Colors: Gold Ruby over Rose Cluthra Type: Acid Etched

Etching: Godfrey

Size: 14 in high