Blown glass: learn more about this ancient art
The technique of blowing glass with its secrets guarded by a small community of artisans, is more than just a technique, but also an ancient art form that transports us to a universe of beauty, tradition and creativity.
Working with glass is a delicate and demanding procedure.
The glass blowing method requires not only exceptional manual skill, but also a deep understanding of the material and the process involved.
Timing is crucial, as the temperature and malleability of glass change rapidly, requiring precision and dexterity on the part of the glass craftsman.
The magic of glass transformation
The process begins with a combination of raw materials: sand, limestone, soda ash (sodium carbonate) and alumina (aluminum oxide).
These ingredients are melted at high temperatures, usually around 1200º Celsius, resulting in a transparent liquid known as molten glass.
This stage, called melting, is crucial to creating the base material for the art of blown glass.
Breathing life into glass
The artisan glassblower uses a special tool called a “glassblower’s rod” to pick the molten glass out of the furnace.
This metal rod must be constantly rotating to keep the glass in a malleable form.
The process of blowing – or inflation – takes place when the craftsman introduces a small amount of air into the bubble of molten glass, expanding it and shaping it according to his creative vision.
There are various techniques for applying patterns and colors to blown glass.
One involves using powdered glass or larger pieces of colored glass, which are carefully incorporated into the piece during the blowing process.
The versatility of blown glass
Blown glass is a technique that allows for a multitude of different applications:
- Decorative pieces: vases, sculptures, chandeliers, panels
- Household utensils: glasses, bowls and vases
- Jewelry: necklaces, bracelets, earrings with unique and sophisticated designs
- Musical instruments: xylophones, flutes and other musical instruments with a peculiar sound
One notable example is Companhia Atlântica’s Verso glasses, which have hints of color resulting from the addition of chips of colored glass fused with transparent glass.
This manual technique gives the pieces a singularity and a unique beauty, as each one is different from the next.
Glass Cups
Art glass production in Portugal
In Portugal, the production of artistic glass was centralized in the region of Marinha Grande by order of the Marquis of Pombal, due to the abundance of raw materials in the area.
The region remains relevant and has become a center of excellence for the art of blown glass to this day, preserving and passing on ancestral knowledge and techniques.
Importantly, the technique of blown glass continues to evolve, with contemporary artists exploring new shapes, colors and textures to create truly impressive and innovative pieces.
The art of glass blowing is an invaluable cultural and artistic legacy that invites us to appreciate the beauty of craftsmanship, the richness of culture and creativity in its purest form.
Now that you know a little more about this ancient art of unquestionable beauty, how about checking out our complete selection of glass and finding the perfect pieces for your home?