Glass is used to make a myriad of animal shapes. Furthermore, the two basic methods for forming glass are used to make animal figures: lampwork and molding.
All kinds of animals and birds are possible using lampwork. The resulting figures are usually small and lightweight. These animals used to be sold in five-and-dime stores, but now the can sometimes be found on mall kiosks around Christmas. They may also be found in kiosks all year around in malls that have a lot of tourist traffic. The legs, etc., are thin and easily broken. The colors are fanciful and usually unrelated to the animal’s natural appearance. Elephants and swan-like birds are common, and fish of many colors and shapes are popular. Sometimes these are sold in “family” sets, that being three of the same animal in graduated sizes but otherwise the same in form and color.
A lampwork dragon. (Cute as well.)
Lampwork dragon with gold touches.
Lampwork elephants.
Realistically colored lampwork animals and birds are currently being made in Russia. These are beautiful little animals created in natural poses that make them instantly identifiable. The vulture sits with hunched shoulders. The blue heron stands quietly looking for its next bite. Bambi turns his head to look at the butterfly landing on his tail. Alternatively, some of these figures made in Russia are made in clear glass. There is a full contingent of antelope and members of the deer family showing the many forms their horns take. These are very nicely made. If you are interested, the glass animals made in Russia are available on eBay, and may also be found at the Intergem Shows that occur in major cities.
Molded glass animals are available in regular glass and lead crystal. The finer companies make sure the mold marks are removed and the the surface is smoothly finished. Many glass colors are used, so a complete herd of the same animal can be assembled without repeating a color. Also, the glass may be frosted to provide a more natural look. Black glass is used to create beautiful leopards.
This bird is made of solid glass, molded, ground to smoothness and frosted to achieve its final form.
Often glass animals are abstracted in form and only those details needed to identify the animal are modeled. Eyes and a hint of a nose, and maybe an indication of the tail. Otherwise only the animal’s overall form is created. The giraffes long legs and neck, the moose’s antlers or the sleek lines of a racehorse are given to show the animal’s identity. Cats in many poses are popular choices, and there are a lot of roosters and hens made. Even hedgehogs can be found made of glass. Given the weight of glass, these solid figures make excellent paperweights. They also make great gifts to anyone who has a special interest in animals.
Most of the images on this post are from Stock Xchnge.
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