Ruby and Gold: The Egyptian Cut Glass Globe Ornament

This is the ornament that makes people set down their drinks and cross the room — a masterwork of the glassblower's and glass-cutter's combined arts that stops conversation with the casual authority of something that knows exactly how beautiful it is. Hand-blown in Egypt from German Pyrex glass, the globe is a study in spectacular contrasts: a ruby red upper dome and matching lower base cradle a clear crystal middle section that has been elaborately worked with a diamond crosshatch cutting pattern, through which the deep red glass beneath glows like embers seen through a latticed screen. Sweeping across this textured surface, bold 24K gold etching traces generous, flowing eye-shaped bands that encircle the globe with sinuous, Art Nouveau-inspired elegance.

The technique on display here — layering cut clear glass over a colored ground, then adding gilded decoration — has roots in some of the most prized glassware traditions in history. Bohemian ruby glass, developed in the 17th century, became the most coveted decorative glass in Europe, adorning the tables of emperors and tsars. Egyptian glassmakers, with their own ancient tradition of working in colored and layered glass stretching back to the New Kingdom, bring a particular authenticity and mastery to this style. The clear glass twisted finial above and the faceted drop point below frame the whole composition with crystalline punctuation marks worthy of the virtuoso work between them.

• Hand-blown Egyptian ornament crafted from German Pyrex glass
• Measures approximately 4" tall × 2" diameter (10 cm × 5 cm)
• Ruby red upper and lower glass sections; clear crystal center with diamond crosshatch cut pattern
• 24K gold etching in sweeping eye-shaped band motifs; gold collar rings at top and base
• Includes gold metallic hanging cord with clear twisted finial top and faceted glass drop point; an heirloom-quality piece of remarkable sophistication