The Lauscha glassblowers blow their figurative glass ornaments for the Christmas tree into a two-piece negative mould made of porcelain. They dip the resulting glass birds in ice varnish, and when the glass cools down, crystals appear on the surface – in a slightly different pattern on each piece. A sprinkling of mica completes the illusion of glittering ice. Decked with a chicken feather, the bird stands and “rocks” on two metal springs.

Lauscha, a small town in Thuringia, has been associated with glass production for over 400 years. The first workshop was founded there in 1597, laying the foundations for the prosperity of the Thuringian glass industry, which is world-famous today. Specifically made for Christmas trees, all of these Lauscha miniatures are hand-blown. Subsequently, they receive a wafer-thin layer of pure silver on the inside (also by hand), a lacquer layer and a glitter finish. A white decorated tree strikes a chord of “ice and snow and fire” and draws on ancient pagan as well as Christian symbolism of the light ceremonies around the winter solstice. The various balls that come in reflex, crystal clear and ice glass design, as well as the ice glass blackbird from our assortment, belong to this tradition. Red and gold-coloured baubles represent another traditional way of decorating the Christmas tree.

This product is an example of genuine handicraft; therefore, minor deviations in size and colour may occur.