burmese glass
C1/C2 - Very low frequency. Specialist/vintage collector term.Specialist/Collector/Antiques - Primarily used in contexts related to antique collecting, glassware history, and decorative arts.
Definition
Meaning
A type of semi-transparent coloured glass, typically milky white, pink, or yellow, containing bone ash, often featuring decorative patterns or painted designs.
Refers to the specific style of Victorian-era decorative glassware, often pressed or moulded with patterns like 'Queen's Burmese', which was patented by Thomas Webb & Sons in the late 19th century. Can also refer to similar modern reproductions.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Not a generic term for any glass from Myanmar (Burma). The name refers to a specific patented formula and aesthetic, inspired by the colours of a Burmese sunset. Often confused with 'Peachblow' glass, which is American.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is largely identical in both varieties, originating from a British patent. American usage might more frequently confuse it with 'Peachblow' or 'Coralene' glass.
Connotations
British: Strong association with the Victorian era and specific manufacturers like Thomas Webb & Sons. American: Often viewed as a subset of 'art glass' or 'Victorian glass', with slightly less specific manufacturer recognition among general public.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday language in both regions. Slightly higher frequency in UK antique circles due to its British origin.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Noun] made of Burmese glassa [noun] in Burmese glassa collection of Burmese glassVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. Term is too specific.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in auction catalogues, antique shop inventories, and insurance appraisals for decorative arts.
Academic
Used in art history, material culture studies, and histories of Victorian design and manufacturing.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside of specialist hobbies.
Technical
Used in glassmaking history to refer to a specific formula involving uranium, bone ash, and gold chloride to create its characteristic colour gradient.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The auction featured a stunning piece of late 19th-century Burmese glass.
- She specialised in collecting Webb's Burmese.
American English
- The museum's exhibit on Gilded Age decor included several examples of Burmese glass.
- This vase is a classic piece of Burmese glass.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This old glass is pink and white. (Possible indirect reference)
- It is a type of decorative glass.
- The antique vase is made of Burmese glass, known for its milky pink colour.
- Collectors value genuine Burmese glass for its unique appearance.
- Attributed to Thomas Webb, this satin-finish Burmese glass comport exemplifies the late Victorian taste for exoticism.
- The distinguishing feature of patented Burmese glass is its characteristic graduated colouration, fading from yellow to pink.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BURMESE sunset (pink/yellow) captured in GLASS.
Conceptual Metaphor
MATERIAL FOR ERA/STYLE (e.g., 'The room was adorned with the soft glow of Burmese glass' metaphorically evokes Victorian opulence).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите как 'бирманское стекло' в бытовом смысле. Это не стекло из Мьянмы, а историческое торговое название конкретного типа декоративного стекла.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'Burmese glass' to refer to any antique coloured glass.
- Confusing it with 'cranberry glass' or 'vaseline glass'.
- Capitalisation error: writing 'burmese glass' instead of 'Burmese Glass' as a proper noun for the type.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Burmese glass' most accurately described as?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Burmese glass' specifically refers to glass made with a patented late-19th century formula, often by Thomas Webb & Sons in England. Other pink glass may be 'opaline', 'cased', or 'flashed' glass.
Yes, some original Burmese glass used uranium dioxide to create its yellow colour, which can cause it to fluoresce under UV light.
Purists and antique dealers typically reserve the term for original period pieces or authorised reproductions. Modern glass in a similar style is often called 'Burmese-style' glass.
The authentic 'Burmese glass' is British (Webb's). The similar American product is usually called 'Peachblow' or 'Peach Blow' glass, made by companies like the New England Glass Company. The colours and techniques are slightly different.