In the 1800s, interior designers started to incorporate etched glass into their residential and commercial designs. As such, it was prominent in French Rococo-style interiors. At the time, the style was very distinctive and as it spread to other countries, modifications were made accordingly. French designers often preferred etching asymmetrical patterns on to mirrors and windows. It was commonplace for those patterns to feature S and C curves as well as rocaille ornamentation. For those etched glass fans that have never heard the term “rocaille” before, please allow us to explain:
It refers to shell work that first appeared in the early 1700s. By shell work, we are referring to images that resemble marine crustaceans. They were used a lot throughout the country as well as by designers in other regions, like Germany, England, Spain and Italy. The shell designs added to the etched glass designs varied but they were often found in similar places. The list of places includes, but isn’t constrained to churches, grottos, castles and manor houses.
Sometimes the shell imagery was paired with representations of other items found in the natural world. For example, they may have been placed alongside of sea grass, leaves, reeds, water lilies and other flower blossoms. Other times, they may have been carved next to marine mammals, mermaids and mythical sea creatures or Deities. So as you can see, it is possible to come up with a wide variety of etched glass designs and still have them fit into rooms decorated with Rococo-style furnishings.
At Hutchinson Glass & Mirror, we can help buyers come up with inimitable, etched glass designs for their homes or work spaces. The designs may be ultra feminine, completely masculine or gender neutral based on buyers’ preferences. With that said, to speak with an etched glass expert about having a custom piece manufactured for Rococo-style interiors, please contact us today.
301-984-7500
