Etched cranberry glass vase or hurricane lamp with a clear stem and foot.

Cranberry glass is a type of glass made by adding a small amount of gold to molten glass, which gives it a distinctive reddish hue. It was first developed in Bohemia in the 17th century and became particularly popular in the Victorian era, from the mid-19th century through the early 20th century. This glass was often used for decorative items like vases, tableware, and figurines, and was frequently embellished with etching or enameling. Etching is a technique used to create designs on glass by using acid or abrasive materials to remove portions of the surface. In the case of cranberry glass, etched designs, often floral or geometric patterns, were applied to the ruby overlay to reveal the clear glass beneath, creating a beautiful contrast. This technique was widely employed by glass manufacturers in Europe and America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making etched cranberry glass a sought-after collectible.