Definitions of Art Glass can be as complex and contentious as definitions of what constitutes "Art" and will inevitably include many refinements and exceptions. On the one hand "Art Glass" is not quite of the size, uniqueness and scope to be considered as "Art" but on the other, was designed or has come to be appreciated more for its decorative excellence, artistic merit or design distinctiveness than for any possible or originally intended use.

 

"Art Glass" has been almost exclusively intended to decorate the home and was historically bought by those who could not afford to commission individual work. However this last distinction today is becoming moot as glass artists strive to produce works of ever increasing distinction whether commissioned or not.