Steuben Glass Works is the most illustrious name in American art glass. Its vividly colored Art Nouveau and Asian-style wares produced in the early 20th century as well as later modernist works rendered in flawlessly clear crystal are objects of striking beauty and delicacy.
The Steuben Glass Works was cofounded in 1903 in the town of Corning, New York, by Frederick Carder, an alum of celebrated British glassmaker Stevens & Williams and a self-taught English chemist and glassmaker. Carder was a restless experimenter, constantly creating new color formulas that resulted in a wide array of hues, from milky jades to his iridescent Aurene shades. A favorite Carder technique was to acid-etch decorative patterns into pieces made of glass layered in different colors. The forms of his vessels were relatively conservative. Most are based on classic Chinese pottery; many display the flowing, naturalistic lines of the Art Nouveau period.
The larger local firm Corning Glass acquired Steuben in 1918. The company’s approach to art glass changed radically in the early 1930s, when Corning chemists devised a new type of crystal known as 10M, with perfect clarity and brilliant refractive powers. Corning decided that, henceforth, all Steuben decorative objects, vases, sculptures and other wares would be made from the crystal.
Art glass was made in two formats: molded and polished abstract sculptures and figurines, or pieces for which artists used Steuben crystal as a sort of canvas. The first such artwork was sculptor Stanley Waugh’s 1935 Gazelle Bowl, a vessel etched with brawny Art Deco animal forms. In later years, Steuben would invite artists that included Henri Matisse, Georgia O’Keeffe and Isamu Noguchi to “paint” in the firm’s crystal.
Steuben glass comes in myriad forms and is available in a broad range of price points. Jewel-toned glasses and tableware from the Carder era include candlesticks marked at $300 and full dinner services for more than $10,000. Small crystal figurines bring around $1,000, while larger sculptures are priced in the neighborhood of $7,000.
Steuben glass, with its impeccable artistry and timeless grace, deserves a place in any collection.
Find antique Steuben glass and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Crystal Dishes signed Steuben
By Steuben Glass
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modernist crystal dishes, designed circa 1960 and signed by Steuben, reflects the sleek elegance and precision craftsmanship associated with this...
Crystal
Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Footed Tazas signed Steuben
By Steuben Glass
Located in New York, NY
This pair of Mid-Century Modernist footed tazas, signed by Steuben and created circa 1960, exemplifies the artistry and craftsmanship for which Steuben is widely celebrated. Synonymo...
Glass
Pair of Mid-Century Sculptural Crystal Candlestick Holders Signed Steuben
By Steuben Glass
Located in New York, NY
A testament to timeless elegance, this pair of Mid-Century Modernist candlestick holders by Steuben are sculptural in their simplicity and striking in its craftsmanship. Crafted from...
Crystal
Mid-Century Modernist Footed Crystal Bowl with Organic Detailing Signed Steuben
By Steuben Glass
Located in New York, NY
A stunning Mid-Century Modernist footed crystal bowl, featuring elegant organic detailing, signed Steuben, American, circa 1960. This timeless mid-century piece showcases the unparal...
Crystal
Mid-Century Modernist Glass Ice Bucket Signed Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This rare and materially exquisite Mid-Century Modernist Glass Ice Bucket Signed Karl Springer originates from the United States, Circa 1980. This piece features a minimal body that ...
Glass
Mid-Century Modern Translucent Glass Doric Column Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pair of Mid-Century Modern candlesticks was realized in the United States, circa 1960. Modeled after the Doric columns of ancient Greece, the piece offers a circular bas...
Glass
L.G. Wright Glass Co. Set Of Frosted Glass Three Faces Salt Cellars
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This a L.G. Wright Glass Co. Set of six frosted glass Three Faces Salt Cellars. They depict the same face three times of a woman/goddess whose head has a lot of wavy hair and is ador...
Glass
Baccarat, France, Four Art Deco Double Salt Cellars, Faceted Crystal Glass
Located in København, Copenhagen
Baccarat, France. Four Art Deco double salt cellars, faceted crystal glass. 1930s/40s. Measures: L 7.5 cm. x W 4.0 cm. x H 1.7 cm. In good condit...
Glass
Fåglavik Glasbruk (1874-1980) Sweden. Six salt cellars. Handcrafted clear glass
Located in København, Copenhagen
Fåglavik Glasbruk (1874-1980), Sweden. Six salt cellars in handcrafted clear glass. Private Swedish collection. Mid-20th century. In excellent condition. Largest: L 7.5 cm x B 5....
Glass
Hugo Gehlin for Gullaskruf, Sweden, Five Small Art Glass Bowls, Approx. 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Hugo Gehlin for Gullaskruf, Sweden, five small art glass bowls. Approx. 1960s. Signed. Sticker. In excellent condition. Dimensions small: L 9.1 x D 8.0 x H 3.0 cm. Dimensions l...
Art Glass
Mid-Century Modern Clear Glass Tumblers Italian Design 1970s Set of 6
Located in Palermo, IT
This is a set of clear glass shot glasses, vintage from the 1970s. They feature a distinctive slanted opening and a sturdy base. Made of high-quality glass. Bold, modern design from ...
Glass
Fåglavik Glasbruk. Four glass salt cellars. Sweden, mid-20th C.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Fåglavik Glasbruk (1874-1980), Sweden. Four salt cellars in clear handcrafted glass. Private Swedish collection. Mid-20th century. In excellent condition. Largest: Length 7.5 cm x Di...
Glass
After synthetic dyes changed fashion, home goods and printed matter, it was only a matter of time till glass caught up.
New York furniture dealer Howard Williams not only has an eye for top-notch pieces from a range of eras but also meticulously restores them to their original glory.
