Sulphide Baccarat, 19th Century

Baccarat glass sulfide. Green, red, white and blue inclusions. Some light scratches and chips underneath. Antique, high-quality piece lacking a stamp. 

Sulfide balls trace their origins back to the XIXᵉ century. They were initially manufactured by Baccarat. 

The manufacture of boules sulfures is a complex and delicate craft process. It involves creating three-dimensional patterns inside the glass, using sulfide inclusions : 

Sulfides, usually made from sulfide minerals such as pyrite or marcasite, are sculpted or shaped into patterns. The glass, chosen for its transparency and quality, is heated at high temperatures until it reaches a malleable state. The sulfide patterns are placed in the center of the molten glass. Next, the craftsman works precisely to position the sulfides to create the desired pattern inside the ball. Finally, the glass is shaped into a sphere around the sulfides. This can be achieved using blowing techniques, where air is introduced into the glass to give it the desired shape. The piece is then cooled. 

19th century 
Good condition 

Dimensions 
Diameter : 6 cm 
Height : 5 cm