Hand Blown Glass History

Hand Blown Glass originates from the ancient art of forming glass, dating back to almost 50 B.C. Though glass itself was discovered around 2500 B.C., it was not originally thought of as the art it is known as today. Initially used for a variety of utility items, vessels for holding liquid were some of the main items made from glass. But once the hand blown glass process was uncovered and better understood, thus becoming a widespread practice, the possibilities for glass were unlimited.


The rise in popularity of handblown glass coincided with the growth of the Roman Empire. As glass blowing became well known, its usefulness and beauty made it desirable around the world. Different cultures, religions, and regions adapted it for unique purposes, and hand blown glass works quickly became a favorite regardless of their usage.

Chinese artists, for example, made work with engraved glass. In the Middle East, even though Islam forbade ornamental, extravagant objects, glass works seemed to be excluded from this as beautiful glass was often used in building windows and displayed in homes. During the Middle Ages in Europe, glassblowing almost ceased to exist, but it survived as ornamental glass continued to be produced for the ubiquitous stained glass windows in found in gothic churches.