How do I clean mottled art glass lighting?

Dust the glass gently with a soft, dry cloth to remove surface particles. For more thorough cleaning, detach the shade from any metal mountings if possible and wipe it down with a damp cloth using mild soap. Avoid submerging pieces that feature delicate metalwork, brass frames or wiring in water. Dry the glass completely before reattaching it to the light fitting.

Were these glass shades made for electricity originally?

Many lighting components from the early twentieth century were produced during the transition period between gas lighting and electric illumination. Some plafonniers and chandeliers were manufactured specifically for electricity, while others were adapted from oil or gas configurations. It is common to find period light fittings with modern wiring installed to meet contemporary safety standards. The glass shades themselves generally date to the production years indicated.

What is pate de verre?

Pate de verre translates as glass paste, a kiln-casting technique where powdered glass is mixed with a binder and packed into a mould. When heated, the particles fuse together to create a dense object with a distinctive frosted or granular texture. This method allows makers to blend multiple translucent colours across the surface of a bowl or lamp shade. The resulting texture diffuses light softly through the mottled walls.