Station: [18] D – Art Nouveau Container with Lid

Sprecherin

This green biscuit barrel was made in Steinschönau in Bohemia in around 1900. This container with its metal handle produced by the Pallme & König company is made appealing by its 20 cm height and above all its green shimmering lustre. The iridescent glass that shimmers in the colours of the rainbow is typical of the art nouveau style. „Iris“ contained within the word „iridescent,“ comes from old Greek and means rainbow. The evaporation of metal salts on the glass surface create the iridescent effect, and the type of salts, the temperature and the type of glass also determine the type of shimmering effect on the glass surface. Crystal glass or Hyalite glass is best suited to this process.

Sprecher

The natural shimmer of antique glass inspired workers at the art nouveau glass foundries. A long period of storage under the earth meant that foreign particles could penetrate the porous surface and create a natural and beautiful iridescence.

Sprecherin

Apart from the hexagonal shape of this biscuit barrel the irregular glass threads that run all over the surface also make it very striking - this was a hallmark of the Pallme & König company founded in 1786.