Glassblowing
Glassblowing is a fascinating and intricate glassforming technique that involves carefully inflating molten glass into a bubble using a a blowpipe. The skilled artisan who engages in this beautiful and artistic process is commonly referred to as a glassblower, but may also be known as a gaffer.
The earliest evidence of glassblowing traces back to Syrian craftsmen hailing from the historic cities of Hama and Aleppo, with origins dating between 27 BC and 14 AD. These skilled artisans refined their craft, developing techniques that allowed them to manipulate molten glass with incredible precision. The ancient Romans quickly recognized the brilliance of this innovation and eagerly adopted the glassblowing technique, which primarily involved blowing air into the molten glass using a specialized tool known as a blowpipe, transforming it into a delicate bubble that could eventually take on various forms and shapes.
Modern day glassblowing involves at least three distinct and essential furnaces. The first furnace, which contains a large crucible filled with molten glass, is simply referred to as "the furnace" and is running at an impressive temperature of around 1100 degrees Celsius. The second furnace is known as the "glory hole" or "reheating chamber," and it serves a crucial purpose by reheating a piece in between the various steps of working with it; this furnace operates at approximately 750 to 850 degrees Celsius. Lastly, the final furnace, known as the "annealer," plays a vital role in the glassblowing process by allowing the glass to slowly cool over a period that can range from a few hours to a few days, depending on the size and thickness of the glass pieces created. This careful cooling process helps to keep the glass from cracking or shattering due to thermal stress and usually begins at a temperature of around 500 degrees Celsius.
Glass patterns
Cane refers to rods of colored glass, ranging from simple single colors to complex patterns. This ancient technique, originating in southern Italy in the 3rd century BC, was further developed on the island of Murano. To create cane, a colored glass lump is heated and pulled with a metal rod, preserving the original pattern as it stretches to pencil diameter and lengths of one to fifty feet. After cooling, the cane is cut into four to six-inch sections for use in more intricate glassblowing techniques.
Colour overlay is the technique of covering a glass bubble made in one bright colour with another, contrasting colour. This process creates an interesting effect where the inside of the glass shows one striking colour while the outside shines with a different, often matching colour. The result is a beautiful mix of colours that enhances each unique piece.
Incalmo is a glass-making technique where two or more blown glass pieces, often in different colors, are joined to create a single object, usually a vessel. This process requires careful precision, as the edges of the pieces must match exactly in diameter.
Murrine are colorful patterns or images made in a glass cane that show up when the cane is sliced into thin pieces. This art form began in the Middle East over 4,000 years ago, highlighting the area’s strong glassmaking history. It was revived by skilled glassmakers in Venice on the island of Murano in the early 16th century, where the technique was improved and thrived.
Veil cane vessel
Colour overlay bowl
Blue & grey incalmo vessel
Red & yellow murrine vessel