Image: Tyrian Vase. Frederick Carder, Steuben Glass, Inc. about 1916. Corning Museum of Glass.2011.4.83.
The name "Tyrian" was selected because the color suggested to Carder the imperial purple fabrics of ancient Tyre. The shading was developed by having the gaffer reheat the piece several times in the glory hole. The longer heating sessions resulted in deeper purplish colors. Because of this lengthy process, Tyrian was difficult to produce and also created an unstable glass that was easily broken. It was therefore made for a short period of time. It is not possible to give precise dates of the production of the few Tyrian pieces; the experts give a range of 1916-1921, but these are only estimates.
You can see more examples of Tyrian glass in the Corning Museum of Glass Collections and the Carder Steuben Glass Association Shape Gallery.
