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European Glass
(15th-18th c.)

In medieval Europe glassware was on a rather modest level, but it began to flourish widely from the 16th c. onwards. Certain forms and techniques became specific for various countries: Germany, England, the Netherlands, Spain, France.

In the 16th c. (especially in Germany), the late Gothic style was characterized by glass painted with enamel and gold. Simple "forest glass" was most widely spread, but by the 17th c. clear, transparent glass was also being produced. Items made of strong, colourless glass lent themselves to decoration by grinding, facet cutting and engraving.