Iconography: A comprehensive plan for the subjects of works of art, not necessarily Christian.
Inactive: The part of a window that is non-movable.
Indirect Method: Process of mosaic assembly where the design pieces are temporarily secured face down onto a substrate. The design is then cast in a mold and then inverted to reveal the design right side up. The process is used when a smooth, level top surface is desired. Method often used to create stepping stones.
Inlay: Any object embedded in the surface of a larger object.
Intaglio (Italian, "engraving"): A method of engraving whereby the ornamentation is cut into the object and lies below the surface plane. The German name for this technique is Tiefschnitt.
In Situ: In position.
Iridescence: The rainbow like effect that changes according to the angle from which it is viewed or the angle of incidence of the source of light. On ancient glass, iridescence is caused by interference effects of light reflected from several layers of weathering products. On certain 19th- and 20th-century glasses, iridescence is a deliberate effect achieved by the introduction of metallic substances into the batch or by spraying the surface with stannous chloride or lead chloride and reheating it in a reducing atmosphere
Isothermal Glazing: System of protective outer glazing that inhibits conductivity of heat from the exterior to the interior surface of the complete window unit.
Italian Rod: General term for assorted types of glass rods used in torchwork and beadmaking.
Jacobite Glass: A 17th-century English drinking vessel used for toasting Prince Charles Edward Stuart ("Bonnie Prince Charlie"). The Jacobites were supporters of the exiled King James II, who abdicated in 1698, and of his descendents James Edward Stuart (the "Old Pr etender") and his son Charles Edward Stuart (the "Young Pretender"). Before the defeat of the Young Pretender in 1746, Jacobite glasses were usually engraved with the English rose, representing the Crown, and an optimistic motto such as "Redeat" ( Latin, "May he return"). After 1746, glasses at first bore cryptic symbols and messages, but later secrecy was abandoned. See also Williamite glass.
Jamb: The upright surface forming the side of a window.
Jigs: Tools or devices used to help aid in the assembly of a project. Generaly by helping hold items in a specific position while being worked with.
Joint: The point of intersection of one lead came with another in a leaded glass work and where soldering of the piece takes place.
Kaleidoscope: Instrument that uses a set of mirrors inside a body to create a symmetrical image from a source at one end when viewed through the opposite end. By varying the mirror length, number and angle and the type of source material you can create a number of different viewed patterns.
Kiln: An oven made of firebrick used to heat, melt, and shape glass. Electric kilns have wire elements to generate the heat. There are also gas heated and wood burning kilns.
Kiln Forming: The process of fusing or shaping glass (usually in or over a mold) by heating it in a kiln.
Kokomo Glass: Manufacturer of sheet glass since 1888, making it the oldest art glass maker in the U.S. Product lines include: Opalumes, Opalescent mixes, Wispy, and Cathedral.
Knapping: The process of faceting slab glass by chipping away at the edges using a slab glass hammer.
Kraft Paper: Brown drawing paper of a specific thickness which can be used for project work drawings.
The sources for this material include:
•Glass: A Pocket Dictionary of Terms Commonly Used to Describe Glass and Glassmaking.
Compiled by David Whitehouse, 88 pp., 47 illus., 1993
•How to Work in Stained Glass. Anita & Seymour Isenberg, 247 pp., 1972
•Stained Glass Lamps. Anita & Seymour Isenberg, 222 pp., 1972
•The Techniques of Stained Glass. Partrick Reyntiens, 168 pp. 1977
•The Coming Museum Website: www.cmog.org
• The Stained Glass Association of America Website: www.stainedglass.org
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