Glass Christmas tree decoration. Baubles.

It wasn’t until the invention of the high temperature Bunsen burner that it became possible to produce the large, thin-walled baubles familiar to us today as Christmas tree decorations. Originally glass decorations were hung on Christmas trees using a cork with a ring. Later tin capsules were inserted for this purpose. Lauscha Christmas tree decorations are distinguished by the hanging ring which is blown from the last glass thread, a feature invented by Wilhelm Wagenfeld, a Bauhaus -student who later became one of the most important industrial designers of the 20th century.

Lauscha ‘crackle’ glass.

The special technique for making ‘crackle’ glass has been handed down since about 1920. When the surface of the glass is treated, the crystallisation has a different effect on every ball.

Christmas tree decorations from Lauscha: 400 years of tradition.

For four centuries, glassmaking has been an integral part of life in the village of Lauscha in the Thuringian Forest. Set up in 1597 by Hans Greiner and Christoph Müller, it was the first glassworks in Lauscha and laid the foundations of the now famous Thuringian glass industry. Lauscha is probably the birthplace of Christmas tree decorations.

Decorating Christmas trees.

Having and decorating trees for Christmas first became fashionable in Victorian times. Lauscha decorations used to be very popular in those days and were imported in large quantities.