How do I clean a glass lustre?

Wash the glass gently in lukewarm soapy water using a soft cloth, avoiding harsh abrasives that might damage surface enamel or gilding. Remove any hanging crystal prisms beforehand so they can be washed and dried individually before reattachment.

What is Burmese glass?

Burmese glass is a heat-sensitive art glass that shades from pale yellow to a soft pink. Thomas Webb and Sons patented this decorative glass type in the late nineteenth century. The shading results from the addition of gold and uranium to the glass batch, which reacts to reheating.

Can I put water in these vases?

Many antique glass and porcelain vessels can hold water, but antique enamelled or painted decoration requires careful handling. Sudden temperature changes can crack nineteenth-century glass. It is safer to use a modern liner inside fragile or painted ceramic pieces to protect the interior glaze.

How do I distinguish Bohemian glass?

Bohemian pieces often feature rich casing, opalescent glass, or heavy enamel painted floral motifs. Makers in the Bohemia region produced robust glass forms during the nineteenth century. Look for distinctive colour combinations like cranberry pink paired with opalescent thorn details or heavy gilt work.