art glass

American  

noun

1. (in the late 19th and early 20th centuries) any of the several varieties of glass using combinations of colors, special effects of opaqueness and transparency, etc., to create an aesthetic effect.

2. any of the objects made of such glass, as lamps, vases, and the like.

---

Etymology

Origin of art glass

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

When she realized she didn’t want to create art glass, her professor encouraged her to leave and “save $90,000 on tuition for something she wasn’t 100% behind.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

I used to hang out at the table with Cathy Bailey, who does art glass.

From Washington Times • Jul. 24, 2016

The ornate interior, illuminated by a skylight, is full of boutiques like Prosperity, which sells handcrafted art glass jewelry.

From Reuters • Jul. 17, 2016

In the living room, two five-armed chandeliers with lusterware art glass, in an ornate expression of Art Deco, still hang from the ceiling, accompanied by matching sconces on the walls.

From New York Times • Jun. 2, 2014

Rabbet these pieces sufficient to allow the art glass to set in on the back sides and be fastened—about 1/4 in. will do—and put them together with glue and brads.

From Mission Furniture How to Make It, Part 2 by Windsor, H. H. (Henry Haven)