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How did Caspar Lehmann adapt gem engraving techniques for Bohemian glass?
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glassware
Fish of core-made glass with “combed” decoration, Egyptian, New Kingdom, 18th dynasty (c. 1363–46 bc). In the British Museum. 0.141 m × .069 m.
Early in the 17th century, Caspar Lehmann, who served as a gem cutter to Emperor Rudolf II in Prague, successfully adapted the traditional techniques of gem engraving for use on glass.
He achieved this by utilizing copper and bronze wheels to carve designs into the material. While ancient artisans had previously utilized both intaglio (Tiefschnitt, or "deep cut") and high relief (Hochschnitt, or "high cut") techniques on glass, Lehmann is recognized as the first modern glass engraver to perfect these methods and establish a distinct personal style. His innovation laid the foundation for the development of high Baroque engraved glass, which became a hallmark of Bohemian glass production.1