Why Collect Glass Animals
Glass animal figurines are popular, partly because they are attractive pieces, and also because of the work that goes into making them. Many of them are tiny but have such intricate details or unique designs that they can be classed as works of art. Others are crafted by well-known master artisans and artists and can be considered an investment. These blown, lampworked, or molded glass figurines often show up at auctions and estate sales, and there are many opportunities to purchase the right pieces for your collection.
If you are thinking of starting a collection of glass animal figurines, this article will tell you all you need to know to decide whether to go ahead and how to expand your collection.
Short History of Blown Glass Animals
Murano Glass and The Industrial Revolution
Before the Industrial Revolution, glass animal figurines were made in Murano, Italy. At the time, they were created using a technique called lampworking. Using an oil lamp, the glass was melted, and then, when molten, the figurine was formed into a particular shape. Or, the glass was blown, and then the shapes were created with other tools.
The Industrial Revolution lasted from 1760 until 1820. During this time, lampworking was phased out, and the creators of glass animal figurines turned to glassblowing and mold-blowing. Techniques such as millefiori were used on some of the figurines. To create glass with this technique, glass rods of different colors are heated. When the rods fuse, the glass is pulled thinner, cooled, and sliced in cross sections to produce designs that look like flowers.
Glass Animals in the 19th and 20th Centuries
During the 19th and 20th centuries, glass animal figurines were created not only in Venice, Italy, but also in other European countries. In the late 1800s, glassworks around Manchester in England created animal figurines out of glass. One of these companies was Burtles, Tate & Co. which produced opalescent pieces such as elephants, ostriches, and even swan salt cellars. Another British company creating blown glass figurines was Molineux & Webb.
There was also Ireland’s Waterford, which closed in 1851 but was reinvented in 1947 by Czech expat Karel Bacik and Dublin jeweler Bernard J. Fitzpatrick. They produced a wide range of glass animal figurines, including fish, seahorses, dolphins, whales, horses, dogs, elephants, giraffes, and more.
In Austria, in 1923, Birmini Glass was set up. They made animal figurines in the Murano style with filigree opaque spiraling stripes using lampwork. However, their glass was more delicate than Murano glass.
There are still companies in Europe producing glass animal figurines. They include the Czech firm, Moser, which creates cadmium and lead-free animals, including lions, cats, ducks, roosters, and elephants. Some have been produced in outstanding Malachite-style green glass. In addition, Kosta Boden in Sweden, Hadeland in Norway, and Swedish Orrefors design animal figurines such as elephants, rabbits, and rhinos.
In the USA in the 1920s and 1930s, Cambridge Glass Company created novelty birds and butterflies, while Sandwich Glass produced classical figurines such as dolphin candlesticks, and mollusks, including the Seashell line, which included scallops and giant clams. Duncan & Millar Glass offered fish, including swordfish, and birds such as swans.
Established in 1905, Fenton Art Glass Company is the largest producer in the USA of handmade colored glass and has a reputation for experimenting with colors and creating hand-painted decorations. Since the 1960s, they have made a range of small animal figurines in a wide array of colors, including whales and unicorns.
Steuben Glass Works, created in 1903, creates glass animal figurines which are of the highest quality. They are expensive, but they are real collector’s items. Their animals include koalas, birds, alligators, and even dragons and phoenixes.
Why Glass Animal Figurines are Popular
Love of Animals
Many people are animal lovers and may want to collect figurines that represent their favorite animals, birds, or fish. The figurines are usually small and endearing, which increases their appeal.
The Figurines are Inspired by Nature
Animals relate to nature, and numerous collectors appreciate the natural subjects. Set up a jungle theme with wild animal figurines or an underwater scene with fish and seahorses.
They are Produced with Great Skill
Most glass animal figurines are hand-blown, making them unique. Even if the same piece is replicated, it will come out slightly different every time. It is the opposite of mass production, where you can’t tell the difference between the pieces.
The figurines have a high level of detail, which shows the skills of each individual artisan.
They Fit into Many Settings
Blown glass animals suit a variety of settings. They don’t look out of place in a modern house, nor do they stick out like a sore thumb in a house filled with antiques.
How Blown Glass Animals Are Made
1. Heating
The glass is heated until it is molten at a temperature of around 2000°F (1093 °C). The glass is then “gathered” at the end of a blowpipe and the artist blows air into it. The glass forms a balloon, and it can then be swung or rolled and manipulated with instruments to create different shapes.
2. Shaping
The artisan uses tools for the final shaping. Layers of color and texture can be added, and different techniques can be used, such as millefiori.
3. Cooling
Once the shape is completed, the figurine is cooled slowly to stop it from cracking.
How to Decide On The Focus Of Your Collection
There are many options of what the focus of your collection should be, and there’s no right or wrong answer. Let’s look at some of the choices.
By Company
You can opt for collecting a particular company’s range of glass animal figurines. Some have collections of similar animals, and animal type may be one kind of focus for a collection.
Many companies produce particular types of animal figurines. For example, if you are looking for avant-garde figurines, choose Finland’s Iittal, which produces innovative pieces including shorebirds, swans, and perching birds. If money is no object, Steuben Glass Works is your go-to. Their figurines are perfectly made and look beautiful. If, however, you are on a limited budget, Norway’s Hadeland produces small figurines of domestic and Nordic wildlife at low cost, made of both glass and crystal. Among other figurines, you can buy arctic foxes, arctic hares, seals, and polar bears.
By Country/Region
You could start a collection by choosing a country where glass animal figurines are produced or a region of that country.
Murano Island near Venice, Italy, is the first place that comes to mind because of its long history and exceptional craftsmanship. Each figurine is handmade and, therefore, unique and a work of art. The artisans have in-depth knowledge of the properties of the glass and know how to shape it into detailed and beautiful figurines. One of the outstanding features of Murano glass is the vivid colors resulting from the masters’ ability to mix the colors for a striking effect.
Because the figurines are handmade and unique, these pieces are highly sought after. Antiques and limited editions can sell at very high prices, particularly if they are made by well-known artisans or studios, such as Barovier & Toso or Venini.
Murano blown glass animals are considered an investment into art as they can appreciate over time. Their charm adds to investment potential.
Type of Animal Figurine
You could choose to focus on one breed of animal, bird, fish, or fantasy animal. Alternatively, choose a group of similar animals like domestic animals or wild animals. If you have a cabinet, you could have a few shelves with different types of animals on each shelf.
Color Scheme
You could choose a color scheme common to the figurines or, alternatively choose figurines to match the color scheme in the room they are to be displayed in.
Size of Figurines
Blown glass figurines are generally tiny, even as small as 1 ¾ in (4.44 cm) tall. Many are around 2 ½ in (6.35 cm) and some can be 5 in (12.7 cm). You can base your collection on the size of the figurines so that they are all about the same size.
Artist
You can find an artist whose work you like and then start to collect their pieces. Perhaps you are in Murano visiting different art studios when you discover an artist you particularly like. Why not start collecting their figurines?
Blown Glass or Crystal Glass
We have mainly discussed regular blown glass, but many glass animal figurines are also made from crystal glass. Crystal glass is different from regular glass in that it contains a high percentage of lead oxide, which makes it sparkle. Crystal glass can be produced by either molding or blowing.
A famous company that produces crystal glass is the Austrian Swarovski. It was founded in 1895, mainly creating crystal chandeliers. They started making glass animal figurines in 1976, beginning with gluing chandelier parts together and adding black beads for the eyes. They made cats, dogs, rodents, owls, hedgehogs, chickens, pigs, and more. Eventually, they went on to create the figurines by blowing and molding glass. They have become a great success and in the 1980s, started adding metals to the glass to create such elements as butterfly antennae. They now have many collections to choose from in different sizes. The most famous of their figurines are Mickey and Minnie Mouse, which are part of their Trimlite collection.
How to Find New Pieces and Build a Collection
Online
There are plenty of companies that sell glass animal figurines online. It is a convenient and simple way of starting your collection if you can’t get to an artist’s studio. If you decide to purchase from an online shop, make sure it is a reputable one that sells authentic handcrafted animal figurines and other glassware.
Artisan Shops
Artisan shops are another good choice. They are usually studios run by an artist or a small company that sells unique pieces. They can be found in many countries, but Murano is one of the best places to go because there is a plethora of artists selling their pieces, all within a small area. You will be spoilt for choice and will also know that the figurines aren’t mass-produced. You can sometimes even see the artists at work.
Trade Shows
Trade shows are where companies in certain fields demonstrate their products and discuss them with the public. They are a good option as you will learn more about the figurines from experts.
Collectors Markets
You can start your collection with previously owned pieces, not just new, and the place to go is a collector’s market. Here you can find rare items, although they can cost more than new figurines, particularly if they are in excellent condition. They represent history, and you don’t know what you will find at one of these markets. You will probably meet dedicated collectors there who are passionate about the figurines and their history.
What to Look for When Buying Glass Animal Figurines
- Authenticity
Look for the signature of the artist or a marking from the studio on the piece, or at least make sure you are buying from a well-established shop dealing with artists and workshops directly..
- Condition
If you are buying second-hand glass animal figurines, check for chips, cracks, or any other damage. They will hold their value better in case you ever want to sell your collection.
- Detail
Look for complex details and lifelike figures as they are worth more to collectors.
- Uniqueness
If the figurine is one-of-a-kind, it will appreciate in valu,e as will limited editions.
How to Display Your Glass Animal Figurines
- By Theme
- You can organize your glass animal figurines by the animal type or the color, or you could group animals that have connections. For example, create a sea life scene with dolphins, fish, and other marine life. Alternatively, a bird scene would be attractive, or a group of wild animals.
- Use Lighting
- Lighting intensifies the clarity and color of the glass figurines. Use either spotlights or backlighting for the best effects.
- Keep the Figurines Safe
- The figurines are delicate and breakable, so to keep them safe from damage and dust as well, put them in a glass cabinet, especially if you have children.
Summary
Hopefully, you now know more about collecting glass animal figurines and are ready to start. They have a long history and are still being produced, and many of them are real works of glass art. Take your time deciding what to collect and by which artists. They make a beautiful addition to your home and can appreciate over time.
