cameo glass

Glassware decorated with figures and forms in coloured glass carved in relief against a glass background of a contrasting colour. It is produced by blowing two layers of glass together. When the glass has cooled, an outline of the design is drawn on the surface and covered with wax. The glass is then etched down to the inner layer, leaving the design outline in relief. Fine cameo glass was produced by the Romans in the 1st century AD. The art was revived by John Northwood in England and in France in the late 19th century.

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