Listen as curator Tina Oldknow describes Snake Vase created by glass artist Rene Lalique. This vase in the form of a coiled snake, one of René Lalique's iconic designs, expresses the energy and elegance of the Art Deco style. Lalique's first and very successful career was as a jeweler. In

Listen as curator, Tina Oldknow, describes the object "Family Matter" by American artist Jill Reynolds.

Listen as curator Dedo von Kerssenbrock-Krosigk describes this glass goblet. Venetian glassmakers were hired in England during the 16th century. One of them was Giacomo Verzelini. In 1571, he was brought to London by Jean Carré, a French native and owner of the Crutched Friars Glasshouse. Carré

Listen as curator Jane Shadel Spillman describes this electric cut glass lamp. Six lamps in this style are known, and all of them are cut in the same pattern. The manufacturer has not been positively identified. One of these lamps was purchased in Chicago in the late 1930s or early 1940s, and

Listen as curator Tina Oldknow describes this vase created by Tapio Wirkkala, one of Finland's best-known designers. He trained as a sculptor in Helsinki and he approached the decorative arts as a sculptor, but he also appreciated fine handcraft. He worked with a variety of materials,

Listen as curator Tina Oldknow, describes "Cargo Seed" by Swedish artist Bertil Vallien. Cargo Seed reflects Bertil Vallien's interest in Sweden's Viking heritage. He uses boats as a metaphor for the journey (both physical and psychological), time, exploration, and self

Listen as curator Jane Shadel Spillman describes the Lily-pad Pitcher, produced by Lancaster Glass Works. The glass that was used to make this pitcher was also employed in the manufacture of windows because the brilliant, deep aquamarine color would not have been noticeable in thinly blown sheets

Listen as curator Jane Shadel Spillman describes the Richard Wistar bottle. The first successful glass factory in the Colonies was established by Caspar Wistar near Alloway, New Jersey, in 1739. Its principal products were window glass and bottles, which were in great demand. More than 15000

Listen as curator, Tina Oldknow, describes "Shirts, Cherries, and Snowflakes, of Course" by American artist, Ginny Ruffner.

Listen as curator Tina Oldknow, describes "Red Pyramid" by Czech artists Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová. Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová pioneered, explored, developed, and defined glass as a medium for sculpture. Their art explores ideas about light, space,