Perfect craftsmanship: Theresienthal, the crystal glass manufacturer

The heart of the manufacturing process is the kiln hall, which was completed in 1836. The hall still has its original magnificent wooden frame roof. The ovens burn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Molten glass can be found in four large crucibles, known as the "ports." Five to six glassmakers stand around the ovens, using long "pipes" to repeatedly take glass out of the furnace for blowing or to be passed to the master to be made into the stem or base.

All of the steps involved in producing glass are done by hand, from blowing, to cutting, engraving, and painting. This is a rarity today in the handcrafted glass industry.

The glassworkers require extensive knowledge and experience to model the stem by hand, affix the glass applications, and work the rim of the mouth.

Then the glass is cut, engraved, and painted in line with the designs created for the individual collections.

Some glasses have a wide, ornate gold rim or engraved hunting motifs—the design of many series is reminiscent of the old glory days. One part of the current collection is made up of replicas of old designs.