DJ and PJ Austin - Kaleidoscopes

Stained Glass Kaleidoscope

Made in 1987 this simple kaleidoscope was really quite advanced for its time. The three-mirror equilateral system abuts an end cap of textured glass.

Rather than using the typical wheel or object chamber, the Austins decided to combine the two. Employing a glass dish or ashtray that was just the right size, DJ and PJ filled it with chunks of colored glass. The dish was sealed with a stained glass panel. The combination object chamber, wheel and diffuser creates an image that looks watery. Or, in other words, rippled. It is interesting to see the colored glass tumble behind the stained glass panel. Viewing the illusion one is reminded of stained glass windows on a rainy day.

The Stained Glass Kaleidoscope measures 11.75 inches long with a 3.75 wheel diameter. $100.