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Object NameMatchbox Containing 19 Glass Parts of Marine Animals
Maker Leopold Blaschka (1822-1895)
Maker Rudolf Blaschka (1857-1939)
Made FromGlass, Wood, Paper
Date1863-1890
Place MadeGermany, Dresden
TechniqueLampworked, assembled
SizeMatchbox H: about 1.9 cm, W: 6 cm, D: 3.7 cm
Accession Number93.3.74-25
Exhibitions
Fragile Legacy: The Marine Invertebrate Models of Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka
Not On View
Interpretive Notes
Leopold and Rudolf made different glass body parts ahead of time to streamline and standardize their production process. Only after receiving an order would they compile these parts into a model by assembling them with metal wires and glue. Once assembled, the model was painted and embellished to appear as realistic as possible. Although both father and son participated in all aspects of production, Leopold preferred to make the glass, while Rudolf concentrated on painting and finishing the models. These 40 matchboxes house premade glass parts for making a variety of invertebrate models. The collection demonstrates the Blaschkas’ meticulous attention to detail and organization. A matchbox case typically contains written text and an illustration disclosing its contents. Vibrant flames of colored glass attached to wire supports, wispy tendrils, groups of thin glass hairs, little eyes (“Kleine Augen”), and Tubularia grapes (“Tubularia Trauben”) are all stored securely in boxes.
Physical DescriptionMatchbox Containing 19 Glass Parts of Marine Animals. Colorless glass, wood, paper; lampworked. Glass parts of marine animals; parts resemble curved leaves. Glass parts stored in two-part matchbox covered in blue paper. Rectangular paper label with hand-drawn illustration of marine part affixed to top of box. Rectangular yellowed paper label with German inscription affixed to bottom of box; bottom label covered by plain white label.
Provenance
Source Botanical Museum of Harvard University - 1993-11-09
Former Collection Gertrude Pones (German)
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Rudolf Blaschka
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Rudolf Blaschka
1863-1890
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Leopold Blaschka
1863-1890
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Leopold Blaschka
1863-1890
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Rudolf Blaschka
1863-1890
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Leopold Blaschka
1863-1890