mjölkglas

Mjolkgals, a Swedish term, translates to "milk glass" and refers to a type of decorative glassware characterized by its opacity and milky white appearance. This glass is typically produced by adding opacifiers, such as bone ash, feldspar, or cryolite, to the molten glass mixture. The addition of these substances scatters light, creating a diffused and translucent effect rather than complete transparency.

Historically, milk glass gained popularity in the mid-19th century, particularly in Europe and the United States. It was often used for decorative items like vases, tableware, and figurines due to its elegant and often Victorian aesthetic. Its opaque quality also made it a suitable substitute for more expensive materials like porcelain or china.

In contemporary design, milk glass continues to be appreciated for its unique visual appeal. It is frequently employed in lighting fixtures, such as lampshades and pendant lights, where its diffusion of light creates a soft and ambient glow. It is also found in various decorative objects, ranging from contemporary art pieces to reproductions of vintage designs. The term "mjölkglas" specifically refers to this type of glass within a Swedish context, though the material itself is known globally by different names.