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THE SHACKLETON FOX ENCYCLOPAEDIA

The Shackleton Fox Encyclopaedia

An A–Z guide to antiques, decorative arts & collecting terms.
A growing reference library designed to help collectors, interior designers and antique enthusiasts better understand objects, materials, makers, periods and craftsmanship.
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Explore the language, materials and craftsmanship behind antiques and the decorative arts. Browse alphabetically, search for a specific term, or filter by subject. Each entry connects you to related definitions and broader areas of collecting knowledge.
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Glass

94 terms

A

Acid-Etched Glass

GlassLighting

Acid-etched glass is glass that has been decorated by applying acid to its surface to create a smooth, frosted or satin finish. This technique became particularly popular during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, especially throughout the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods. Acid

Aventurine Glass

Glass

Aventurine glass, also known as goldstone glass, is a decorative glass distinguished by the presence of tiny metallic crystals suspended within the glass, creating a rich sparkling effect. First developed by Venetian glassmakers during the seventeenth century, aventurine glass became highly prized for luxury decorative

B

Baccarat Glass

Glass

Baccarat Glass refers to the luxury crystal and decorative glass produced by the renowned French manufacturer Baccarat, founded in Lorraine, France, in 1764. Internationally recognised for its exceptional clarity, brilliance and precision craftsmanship, Baccarat has created chandeliers, stemware, lighting, paperweights and decorative objects of the

Bevelled Glass

Glass

Bevelled Glass is glass whose edges have been cut and polished at an angle to create a decorative border that refracts and reflects light. Widely used from the Victorian period onwards, bevelled glass is commonly found in mirrors, cabinet doors, display cases, windows and decorative

Blown Glass

Glass

Blown Glass is glass formed by gathering molten glass on the end of a blowpipe and inflating it into shape by controlled blowing. Dating back over two thousand years, this traditional technique has been used to produce bottles, vases, bowls, lampshades, chandeliers and decorative objects.

Bohemian Glass

Glass

Bohemian Glass refers to the fine decorative glass produced in the historic region of Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic. Celebrated since the sixteenth century for its exceptional clarity, engraving, cutting and decorative techniques, Bohemian Glass includes chandeliers, stemware, vases, lustres and ornamental objects.

Bristol Blue Glass

Glass

Bristol Blue Glass is a rich cobalt-blue glass traditionally produced in Bristol, England, from the late eighteenth century onwards. Renowned for its deep, vibrant colour achieved by adding cobalt oxide during manufacture, Bristol Blue Glass has been used to create bottles, decanters, vases, scent bottles,

Bullseye Glass

GlassLighting

Bullseye Glass is hand-blown glass distinguished by a circular mark or thicker central disc created during the traditional crown glass manufacturing process. The characteristic \'bullseye\' results from the pontil attachment point remaining visible after the glass has been spun into a flat sheet. Frequently found

C

Cameo Glass

Decorative ArtsGlass

Cameo Glass is a highly decorative form of art glass created by layering different colours of glass before cutting, carving or acid-etching away the outer layers to reveal contrasting designs beneath. Perfected during the nineteenth century by renowned makers such as Émile Gallé and Thomas

Carnival Glass

Glass

Carnival Glass is a moulded pressed glass distinguished by its shimmering iridescent surface, created by applying metallic salts while the glass was still hot. First introduced in the early twentieth century, it was originally produced as an affordable alternative to luxury iridescent art glass by

Cased Glass

Glass

Cased Glass is decorative glass produced by fusing two or more layers of differently coloured glass together while molten. The outer layer may then be cut, engraved or acid-etched to reveal the contrasting colour beneath, creating intricate decorative effects. This technique has been used since

Cathedral Glass

Glass

Cathedral Glass is coloured translucent glass traditionally used in stained-glass windows, churches and decorative architectural glazing. Unlike painted or leaded stained glass, cathedral glass derives its colour from metallic oxides incorporated during manufacture, allowing light to pass through while creating rich, vibrant hues. It has

Cobalt Glass

GlassMaterials

Cobalt Glass is richly coloured blue glass produced by adding cobalt oxide during manufacture. Used since ancient times and particularly popular during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, cobalt glass was fashioned into bottles, vases, tableware, decorative objects and lighting. Its deep sapphire-blue colour, exceptional clarity

Crackle Glass

Glass

Crackle Glass is decorative glass characterised by a network of fine surface cracks created by rapidly cooling hot glass in water before reheating it to seal the outer surface. The process produces a distinctive textured appearance while maintaining structural strength. Crackle glass has been produced

Cranberry Glass

Decorative ArtsGlass

Cranberry Glass is a richly coloured decorative glass distinguished by its deep pink to ruby-red hue, produced by adding small quantities of gold chloride during manufacture. First developed during the seventeenth century and becoming especially popular during the Victorian era, cranberry glass was used to

Crystal

Decorative ArtsGlassMaterials

Crystal is a high-quality glass containing lead oxide or other mineral additives that enhance its clarity, brilliance and weight. Renowned for its exceptional light-reflecting qualities, crystal has been used for centuries to produce chandeliers, drinking glasses, decanters, bowls and decorative objects. Antique crystal is particularly

Cut Glass

Glass

Cut Glass is glass that has been hand-cut or machine-cut with decorative facets, patterns and geometric designs using specialised grinding wheels. The process enhances the brilliance and sparkle of the glass by increasing its ability to reflect and refract light. Antique cut glass was widely

D

Decanter

Decorative ArtsGlass

A Decanter is a decorative vessel designed for serving and storing wine, spirits or fortified wines, typically fitted with a stopper to preserve its contents. Antique decanters were commonly produced from cut glass or lead crystal and became increasingly elaborate throughout the Georgian, Regency and

Depression Glass

Glass

Depression Glass is machine-pressed or moulded coloured glass produced primarily during the 1920s and 1930s, particularly throughout the Great Depression in the United States. Manufactured in a wide range of colours including pink, green, amber, blue and clear, it was often given away as promotional

Diamond Cut Glass

GlassMaterials

Diamond Cut Glass is decorative glass engraved with a repeating diamond-shaped pattern using precision cutting wheels. Popular throughout the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods, diamond cutting enhances the brilliance and light-reflecting qualities of crystal, making it a favoured decoration for decanters, drinking glasses, bowls, chandeliers

Diamond Point Engraving

Glass

Diamond Point Engraving is a decorative technique in which designs are scratched directly onto the surface of glass using a diamond-tipped tool. Popular from the seventeenth century onwards, the method produces delicate, precise line work often depicting inscriptions, coats of arms, floral decoration or commemorative

Dome Glass

Glass

Dome Glass is curved or hemispherical glass manufactured to form a protective dome over decorative objects, clocks, taxidermy, sculptures or display pieces. Commonly mounted on wooden or ebonised bases, glass domes became particularly popular during the Victorian period as a means of protecting treasured possessions

Double Overlay Glass

Glass

Double Overlay Glass is decorative glass produced by layering two differently coloured gathers of molten glass before cutting or engraving through the outer layer to reveal the contrasting colour beneath. Popular during the nineteenth century, particularly in Bohemian and French glassmaking, double overlay glass allowed

Drinking Glass

Glass

A Drinking Glass is a vessel designed for serving water, wine, spirits or other beverages, produced in a wide variety of forms throughout history. Antique drinking glasses range from elegant Georgian lead crystal examples with air twist or opaque twist stems to richly cut Victorian

Dust Shade

Glass

A Dust Shade is a protective glass shade fitted over a lamp burner or light fitting to reduce the accumulation of dust while softening and diffusing the light. Commonly associated with Victorian and Edwardian oil lamps and early electric lighting, dust shades were produced in

E

Emerald Glass

Glass

Emerald Glass is decorative glass coloured a rich emerald green through the addition of metallic oxides during manufacture. Popular throughout the Victorian and Edwardian periods, it was used to produce vases, decanters, tableware, scent bottles and ornamental objects. Antique emerald glass is admired for its

Enamelled Glass

Glass

Enamelled Glass is decorative glass embellished with coloured enamel paints that are fired onto the surface to create durable designs. This technique has been used since the medieval period and flourished during the Renaissance, Victorian and Art Nouveau eras. Antique enamelled glass commonly features floral

Engraved Glass

Decorative ArtsGlass

Engraved Glass is glass decorated by cutting designs into its surface using copper wheels, diamond-point tools or engraving wheels. Floral motifs, armorial crests, inscriptions and landscapes became particularly popular during the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods. Antique engraved glass is highly regarded for its precision,

Etched Crystal

Glass

Etched Crystal is fine crystal glass decorated using acid etching or abrasive techniques to produce delicate frosted patterns while retaining the brilliance and clarity of the crystal. Popular during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, etched crystal was widely used for decanters, drinking glasses, bowls

Etched Glass

GlassMaterials

Etched Glass is decorative glass produced by using acid or abrasive techniques to permanently frost or texture the surface with intricate patterns. Widely used from the Victorian period onwards, etched glass commonly features floral, foliate or geometric designs and appears in lanterns, light shades, doors,

Eye Bath

Glass

An Eye Bath is a small glass vessel designed to cleanse or soothe the eye using medicinal solutions or clean water. Popular throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, eye baths were commonly manufactured in clear, blue or green glass and formed part of domestic

Eye Cup

Glass

An Eye Cup is a small cup-shaped vessel used to apply cleansing or medicinal solutions directly to the eye. Produced in glass, porcelain and occasionally metal, eye cups were widely used during the Victorian and Edwardian periods as part of everyday domestic healthcare. Today, antique

F

Faceted Glass

Glass

Faceted Glass is glass that has been cut with multiple flat polished surfaces, or facets, to enhance the reflection and refraction of light. Commonly found on chandeliers, decanters, drinking glasses and decorative objects, faceted glass creates brilliance and sparkle through precise craftsmanship. Antique examples are

Finger Bowl

Glass

Finger Bowl is a small bowl traditionally placed on the dining table and filled with water, often scented with lemon or flower petals, allowing guests to rinse their fingertips between courses or after eating. Popular during the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods, finger bowls were

Flashed Glass

Glass

Flashed Glass is decorative glass made by fusing a thin layer of coloured glass over a clear or differently coloured base. The coloured surface can then be cut, engraved or acid-etched to reveal the contrasting layer beneath, creating intricate decorative designs. Antique flashed glass is

Flint Glass

GlassMaterials

Flint Glass is a high-quality lead glass developed in Britain during the seventeenth century, renowned for its exceptional clarity, brilliance and ability to be finely cut and engraved. Widely used for fine drinking glasses, chandeliers and decorative objects, flint glass became synonymous with luxury glassmaking.

Floral Etched Glass

Glass

Floral Etched Glass is decorative glass featuring floral patterns created through acid etching or sandblasting. Popular during the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Nouveau periods, floral etched glass was widely used for light shades, doors, mirrors, windows and decorative vessels. Antique examples are admired for their

French Glass

Glass

French Glass encompasses decorative and functional glassware produced by renowned French manufacturers and artisans, particularly from the eighteenth century onwards. Celebrated for exceptional craftsmanship, French glass includes Art Nouveau, Art Deco and traditional designs featuring engraving, cameo work, acid etching and coloured glass. Antique French

Frosted Crystal

Glass

Frosted Crystal is crystal glass finished with a soft, matte surface that diffuses light while retaining the brilliance and quality of lead crystal. Produced through acid etching or sandblasting, frosted crystal became particularly popular during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries for lighting, decorative

Frosted Glass

Glass

Frosted Glass is glass with a translucent surface created through acid etching, sandblasting or other finishing techniques to soften and diffuse light. Widely used in antique lighting, doors, windows and decorative objects, frosted glass offers privacy while maintaining brightness. Antique frosted glass is valued for

G

Georgian Glass

GlassRestoration & Conservation

Georgian Glass refers to glassware produced during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, a period renowned for remarkable advances in English glassmaking. Popular forms include drinking glasses, decanters, bowls, rummers and tableware, often featuring hand-cut decoration, engraved motifs or air twist and opaque twist stems.

Georgian Wine Glass

Glass

Georgian Wine Glass is a hand-blown drinking glass produced during the Georgian period, admired for its delicate craftsmanship and elegant design. Typical features include drawn, air-twist or opaque-twist stems, folded feet and finely proportioned bowls. Antique Georgian wine glasses are among the most collectible forms

Glass Dome

Decorative ArtsGlass

Glass Dome is a clear glass cover used to protect and display decorative objects, taxidermy, clocks, sculptures and scientific instruments. Mounted on a wooden or ebonised base, antique glass domes became particularly popular during the Victorian period and remain elegant display pieces for collectors.

Glass Lustre

Glass

Glass Lustre is a decorative nineteenth-century ornament consisting of a glass bowl or candlestick adorned with hanging cut-glass prisms that reflect and amplify candlelight. Popular during the Regency and Victorian periods, glass lustres were often displayed on mantelpieces and dining tables, combining elegance with sparkling

Glass Paperweight

Decorative ArtsGlass

Glass Paperweight is a decorative glass object designed to hold papers in place while showcasing intricate craftsmanship. Antique paperweights often feature millefiori canes, lampwork flowers or controlled bubble designs and were produced by renowned European glassmakers during the nineteenth century.

Glass Prism

Glass

Glass Prism is a precisely cut piece of glass designed to refract and reflect light, creating brilliance and sparkle. Glass prisms have been used extensively on chandeliers, lustres and wall lights since the eighteenth century, where they enhance illumination through the dispersion of light into

Glass Shade

Glass

Glass Shade is a protective and decorative covering used to diffuse and direct light from lamps, chandeliers and wall lights. Produced in a wide variety of forms, including opaline, etched, coloured and cut glass, antique glass shades became particularly popular during the Victorian, Edwardian and

Glass Vase

Glass

Glass Vase is a decorative vessel designed to display flowers or serve as an ornamental object. Crafted using techniques such as blowing, moulding, engraving and cutting, antique glass vases range from elegant Georgian and Victorian examples to the artistic creations of Art Nouveau and Art

Gold

Glass

Gold is a precious metal prized for its beauty, rarity and resistance to corrosion. Throughout history it has been used in jewellery, decorative arts, coinage, ecclesiastical objects and fine craftsmanship. Antique gold objects are valued for both their intrinsic worth and their historical and artistic

Gold Leaf

Glass

Gold Leaf is an extremely thin sheet of hammered gold used for gilding furniture, mirrors, picture frames, sculpture and architectural details. Applied using traditional water or oil gilding techniques, gold leaf creates a rich, luminous finish that has adorned fine decorative arts for centuries and

Gold Ruby Glass

Glass

Gold Ruby Glass is a richly coloured red glass produced by adding small quantities of gold compounds during the glassmaking process. Celebrated for its deep crimson colour and luxurious appearance, gold ruby glass has been used for fine tableware, vases, decorative objects and lighting since

Granite

Glass

Granite is a coarse-grained igneous stone valued for its exceptional strength, durability and natural beauty. Widely used in architecture, monuments, columns, fireplaces and garden ornaments, granite has been employed for centuries in both structural and decorative applications. Antique granite elements are particularly sought after for

Green Glass

Glass

Green Glass is glass coloured using metal oxides, producing shades ranging from pale olive to deep emerald. Used for centuries in bottles, tableware, lighting and decorative objects, antique green glass is appreciated for its rich colour, versatility and distinctive character. Examples range from Georgian drinking

Green Marble

Glass

Green Marble is a decorative natural stone distinguished by its rich green colouring and distinctive veining. Used extensively for fireplaces, columns, tabletops and architectural details, green marble has long been associated with luxury interiors and classical architecture. Antique examples remain highly desirable for their elegance

Grey Marble

Glass

Grey Marble is a natural decorative stone characterised by subtle grey tones and elegant veining. Valued for its understated sophistication, grey marble has been widely used in fireplaces, sculpture, columns and furniture throughout the Georgian, Victorian and modern periods. Antique grey marble pieces are appreciated

Guilloché Glass

Glass

Guilloché Glass refers to decorative glass featuring finely engraved or moulded repeating geometric patterns inspired by traditional guilloché designs. Although the term is more commonly associated with enamel over engine-turned metal, guilloché-style decoration has also been applied to glassware to create elegant light-reflecting surfaces. Antique

Gunmetal

Glass

Gunmetal is a durable bronze alloy traditionally composed of copper, tin and zinc, originally developed for casting cannons and heavy engineering components. Owing to its strength, corrosion resistance and attractive dark grey finish, gunmetal has also been widely used for clocks, lighting, marine fittings and

H

Hand Cut Crystal

Glass

Hand Cut Crystal refers to high-quality crystal glass that has been individually cut and polished by skilled craftsmen using rotating wheels to create intricate decorative patterns. Popular from the Georgian period onwards, hand-cut crystal is distinguished by its exceptional clarity, brilliance and crisp, sharply defined

Hand Engraved Glass

Glass

Hand Engraved Glass is glass decorated by manually cutting designs into the surface using engraving wheels or diamond-point tools. Floral motifs, coats of arms, monograms, landscapes and commemorative inscriptions are common subjects, with each piece reflecting the skill of the engraver. Antique hand-engraved glass is

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