What is the History of Modern Blown Glass Art?
The source of man-made glass is unknown, but we do know that glass art dates back around 3,500 years. Today, glassblowers worldwide use some of the same tools and techniques that were developed centuries before.
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History
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The Egyptians are credited with establishing the glass manufacture industry. In 1607, Jamestown's first colonists brought the tradition of glassblowing to the New World.
Function
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Modern blown glass is used for functional and artistic purposes and is often found in museums, galleries and adorning people's homes. Popular forms include vessels, goblets, bowls and chandeliers.
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Time Frame
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A Mesopotamian cemetery, dated at around 2450 B.C., unearthed some of the first discoveries of art glass. Between 300 B.C. and 20 B.C., the blow pipe was invented and became the most important invention in glassblowing. In 1962, Harvey K. Littleton created a furnace that could melt glass in smaller studios, which ignited the growth of art glass studios worldwide.
Theories/Speculation
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The Roman historian Pliny believed Phoenician sailors accidentally discovered glass when they used blocks of natron to hold their cooking pots and the fire mixed with the sand. A more popular theory is that a potter discovered glass because ceramics is the oldest art form that uses fire.
Fun Facts
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Before the Christian Era, glass was so difficult and expensive to make that it was equal in value to natural gems.
In the 16th century, the Venetians tenaciously protected their fine glassmaking secrets. Glassmakers trying to leave Venice with their skills could face a stiff fine and, at one time, even be killed.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Photograph by Jenny Treviño-Blanquet
