Crackled glass

Crackle glass

Crackle was first developed and produced in 16th century Venice. Master Venetian invented the process of briefly submerging molten hot balls of glass in very cold water. This resulted in the outer layer of the glass cracking. The process would then continue with the glass being reheated and blown into the desired shape. As the glass was shaped and expanded, the cracks would become larger, resulting in a distinctive crackled effect.

Pieces made by this method are sometimes called ice glass, craquelle glass, and overshot glass

Touching the outside of a piece of crackle glass will allow you to feel the fractures along the surface. These fissures, however, are confined to the top layer of the glass. The inside of a piece of crackle glass will feel smooth and even, with no sign of cracks or crevices.

The smooth underside is achieved because the glass is reheated after being submerged in cold water. The reheating process seals the cracks caused by the drastic temperature change, resulting in a flat under layer, making the glass suitable for a variety of uses.