Shuman

The Collector’s Encyclopedia of American Art Glass by John A. Shuman III

p. 26 Intarsia – Steuben

Intarsia was Carder’s personal favorite out of all the glass he created. Only about 100 pieces were made by Frederick Carder and a very skilled gaffer named John Janson. Each example was personally signed, engraved “Fred’k Carder” about the base, but not on the underside. Produced in vases, bowls and a few goblets and wines, the glass consists of three layers. The two outer layers of clear crystal have fused within them a third layer of blue, black or amethyst glass. Colored floral and Arabesque designs, by name were Vermicelli, Ivy, Chinese Floral, Geometric, Modern and others. The glass was made around 1930 and advertised for sale in the Steuben catalogs. Its name was derived from a 15th century Italian marquetry technique.

Intarsia was manufactured by plating a bulb of crystal glass with colored glass which was permitted to cool. The colored design was treated with wax; the rest of the glass was etched showing a shallow design in relief. This glass was reheated, covered with another layer of crystal and then blown carefully into its desired shape. Stems and feet were added to complete each item.

Intarsia ranges in thickness from 1/8″ to 1/16″ of homogeneous glass. The thicker the design, of course, the lighter would be the color of the design in the finished product. Generally, this glass is heavier than most of Steuben’s output, ranking in overall weight with Cintra, Cluthra and Acid Cutbacks.

Apology

from Rande Bly

Bea Weiskopf and John Kohut and anyone else that was troubled by Monday’s Gazette I am truly sorry. Please do not blame Alan in any way.