Opalescent Glass
Opalescent Glass Butterflies. The term "opalescent glass" is commonly used to describe glass where more than one color is present, being fused during the manufacture, as against flashed glass in…
Posted inAntiques Glossary Metalware Butterflies
Gold
Gold Butterflies. Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au and atomic number 79, making it one of the higher atomic number elements that occur naturally. In its purest…
Crystal / Lead Glass
Lead glass, commonly called crystal, is a variety of glass in which lead replaces the calcium content of a typical potash glass. Lead glass contains typically 18–40% (by weight) lead(II)…
Posted inAntiques Glossary Metalware Butterflies
Ormolu
Ormolu is an English term, used since the 18th century for the gilding technique of applying finely ground, high-carat gold–mercury amalgam to an object of bronze, and for objects finished…
Posted inButterflies
Swallowtail Butterflies
Swallowtail butterflies. Swallowtail butterflies are large, colorful butterflies in the family Papilionidae, and include over 550 species. Though the majority are tropical, members of the family inhabit every continent except…
Posted inAntiques Cloisonne Metalware Butterflies
Japanese Cloisonne Butterflies
Japanese cloisonne. Cloisonné enamels in Japan had traditionally been used only as small areas of decoration on architecture and on sword fittings. Around 1833 a former samurai, Kaji Tsunekichi of…
Posted inAntiques Cloisonne Metalware Butterflies
Cloisonne Butterflies
Cloisonne butterflies. Cloisonné is an ancient technique for decorating metalwork objects. In recent centuries, vitreous enamel has been used, and inlays of cut gemstones, glass and other materials were also…
Posted inAntiques Gemstone Butterflies Jade
White Jade Butterflies
White Jade is a form of Nephrite Jade. It is usually white, off-white, or cream in color. When white jade appears as translucent white or pale yellow it is sometimes…
Posted inAntiques Gemstone Butterflies Jade
Jade Butterflies
Jade butterflies. Jade refers to an ornamental mineral, mostly known for its green varieties. It can refer to either of two different minerals: nephrite, a silicate of calcium and magnesium,…