Page 50 - The Hunt - Winter 2019/2020

VINTAGE
down. Wagner explains that colored glass or painted globes served the reverse purpose of cutting down glare in lamps that were used for close-up reading or needlework.
All of these—but especially more portable objects—have become popular heirloom pieces, passed down through generations. Bohemia glass was a source for many crystal flower vases. But those from Waterford
“The criteria for effective light fixtures were that they should reflect and refract light into the dark areas of a room.”
80 THE HUNT MAGAZINE
winter 2019-20
presents
Your Mix, Your Station!
and other Irish producers are valued for
their durability. Today, they’re especially remarkable when filled with fresh-cut flowers. They also make a pretty statement when filled with foraged branches of holly and laurel and placed in dining rooms or entryways.
Fittingly, Waterford makes Christmas ornaments, usually cast as reflective pendants, extending crystal into the living room. Swarovski also issues an annual decorative crystal, while others offer hollow bulbs with ornaments inside. The latter is also a popular purveyor of crystal jewelry and faceted earrings and brooches, which can wink back their light to the chandeliers, making for an extra-glittery holiday.
Crystal decanters are another popular option for décor and gifts thanks to their strength, which makes them less likely to break. Beautiful old ones—especially of the English variety, where they were far more prevalent—can be found online and in fine antique shops. Wine can be consumed from them, but it can’t be stored in lead crystal since lead can eventually leach into the liquid (and stain the glass).
Finding those unique pieces—crystal wine glasses, in particular—requires patience. Many heirloom stem glasses don’t survive
as sets because of their fragility. Still, a new set makes for a perfect holiday or wedding gift, which, with care, will one day be an heirloom itself, adding glitter to gatherings for generations to come. o