Glassware has long been a part of home décor, ever since glass artisans started to produce pieces for beauty rather than function in the Middle Ages. In modern times, this has not changed as many people own beautiful glassware, whether they bought it themselves or it was passed down. Glass pieces remained a constant presence, but their popularity for decorative use has slightly faded. However, in the past few years, blown and handmade glassware has gained a lot of attention as a decorative element, overtaking ceramics and other popular materials.
Nowadays, artistic glassware is used in various settings, from home to public places. That said, for it to live up to its full potential, it has to be styled according to the surrounding space. In this article, you will find out more about artistic glassware and how to use it for decorating any space.
How Artistic Glassware Is Made
The technique to create artistic glassware involves more than what meets the eye. It’s a blend of craftsmanship and tradition with a hefty dose of science. The final piece depends on what method the artisan used to create it, which can feature different patterns and shapes.
Hot-Blown Glass vs. Molded Glass
Most art glass pieces are made using two techniques: hot blowing and molding. Both of these options use molten glass as a medium, but the differences lie in the way it’s shaped.
Hot glass blown is the process of melting glass in a furnace where the temperature exceeds 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. Once molten, the glass becomes viscous, and the artisan attaches the molten glass blob to the end of a hollow pipe. The artist will then blow air through the other end of the pie, rotating and shaping it using different tools until it takes on the desired form and design. The result of hot-blown glass is usually something one-of-a-kind.
On the other hand, molded glass is the more precise version of artistic glassmaking. Here, the artisan uses predesigned casts to create the pieces. The artist will heat the glass until it reaches the appropriate temperature, pouring it into the mold that already has the details built into it. This ensures uniformity, making it a popular choice for sets such as drinking glasses or glass plates, where the goal is to make them look the same.
Techniques Used for Artistic Glassware
Glass artisans are not just concerned with the shape of the glass pieces when they are crafting art glass. They give special attention to the pattern of the glass itself. Most artisans use techniques that have been passed down from ancient times and were revived by Italian glassmakers. Some common techniques include the following:
- Millefiori: Translating into “a thousand flowers,” it involves pouring different layers of glass in multiple colors, molding them into glass canes, and cutting them to reveal a flower pattern.
- Filigrana: Involves stretching opaque glass into different shapes (usually latticework) and then adding it to clear glass for a simple yet elegant pattern.
- Bullicante: Involves sending controlled bubbles into clear glass and trapping them inside with uniform surface layers. The result looks like a piece that has suspended, permanent bubbles within.
Each of these techniques requires mastery of the glassmaking art along with creativity, with no two pieces looking alike at the end. This adds to their value, because each item is special, regardless of the casting method.
The Different Forms of Artistic Glassware
Artistic glassware can take on different forms, the most common being the following:
1. Glass Sculptures
Glass sculptures were created for decorative purposes and were meant to be expressive. Most of the time, they are made using a combination of molding and glassblowing, with the artisan using different tools to mold them into the desired shape (e.g., birds, fruits, animals, etc.).
2. Blown Glassware
The most common type of glass art, blown glass, is crafted by using a blowpipe to create glass objects that are voluminous and thin. Artisans can make sculptures and different decorative pieces which are hollow inside, allowing for a fluid design.
3. Functional Glassware
Functional glassware is your everyday household item with an artsy twist. This could be anything from a fruit bowl to a plate or a wine glass, usually manufactured using the casting method. The pieces are made to be durable yet simple, with most artists using their signature techniques to create a pattern.
Displaying Artistic Glassware
Artistic glassware can be both functional and aesthetic. Its aesthetic characteristics make glass one of the recognized art forms, and that is why we find these pieces in museums and homes alike. Before choosing a piece, you should understand its purpose.
Home Settings
Artistic glassware adds character to a room, regardless of the décor chosen. Here is why most homeowners opt for these pieces:
1. To Create a Centerpiece
Every room should have a centerpiece that draws attention whenever someone enters a room. If your décor seems dull, the reflective character of artistic glassware can catch the light and bring the entire space to life.
2. To Make a Statement
Decorations can say many things about the homeowner’s personality and tastes. They add elegance and taste to a room and inform everyone that you have distinctive taste. Many homeowners use them to express who they are as individuals.
3. To Create a Collection
An average of 42% of millennials consider themselves collectors of various objects. For some, it might as well be artistic glass items, which they collect as a hobby. Some see these collections as a form of investment, others get them for their beauty. Regardless, these are often passed down through generations.
4. To Arrange Conversation Starters
Nothing triggers a better conversation than an intricate art glass sculpture. No matter the design, this invites people to ask questions and share their thoughts on it, ensuring the conversation never gets dull.
5. To Show Off Their Beauty
Artistic glassware, whether it’s hand-blown or molded, is known for its beautiful details. The colors, the way they catch light, and the craftsmanship mix elegantly, creating a piece of inherent beauty.
Public Settings
Items such as glass art sculptures have always held an important spot in museums and institutions. Whether the institution is dedicated to art or legacy pieces, you’ll likely find glass art displayed for the following reasons.
1. To Preserve History
One of the main reasons for displaying glass sculptures in public settings is to preserve history. After all, glassware dates back to 3500 BC, with numerous styles developed over the centuries and epochs. Museums can create displays for different periods, showing people exactly how glassware evolved.
2. To Honor Artisan Technique
Displaying glass art in museums makes it possible to demonstrate and honor techniques developed by artisans over time. We wouldn’t know about the ancient roots of Millefiori or Filigrana techniques if it weren’t for that.
3. To Preserve Fragile Pieces
Pieces such as the famous Portland Vase are kept not only for historical preservation but also for their protection. This piece, in particular, has been at the British Museum since 5-25 AD. The cameo glass piece, likely created in Rome or Alexandria, has mostly been preserved, but its age requires special care that only a museum can give.
4. To Encourage Artistic Expression
Last but not least, glassware is displayed in public settings so emerging artists can express their creativity. Whether it’s part of a museum or a temporary gallery, it sends a message to artists and glassware enthusiasts alike, showing that beauty is continuously appreciated.
How to Choose the Right Art Glass Pieces
Choosing glassware to display in your home or office involves more than just looking at the piece and deciding that you like it. Here’s what you have to do to style, decorate, and use it as an entertainment point.
1. Research Its Authenticity
An average of 52% of people buy counterfeit goods without realizing what’s legit and what’s fake. To avoid getting an overly priced dupe with little to no value, make sure to research the items first. Certificates of authenticity are your best friend, but you should also look into the hallmarks and signatures of the artisan. Remember that authentic artistic glassware usually has flaws (like pearls do) that show handcrafting, so a valuable piece doesn’t have to be perfect.
2. Match with the Interior Décor
Artistic glassware should complement and match your interior, not clash with it. The first thing you should look into is color coordination because the shades should work harmoniously. Get the pieces based on available light and choose their style according to the interior décor. For example, Murano glass sculptures work well in traditional, “cozy” spaces, whereas abstract glass pieces might suit an industrial or minimalistic design.
3. Choose a Theme
Matching a theme adds continuity, whether the piece is displayed in a public or private setting. Once you buy a glass art piece, make sure it matches the other themes you have going on. Some popular options include cultural pieces (e.g., Bohemian or Venetian glass or glass pieces inspired by nature).
4. Consider Long-Term Value
Depending on the circumstances, art glass could double as an investment. A piece from a renowned glassmaker (especially one who’s no longer creating) has a stronger appreciation power. Limited editions also have greater value than mass-produced ones.
5. Buy Pieces by Reputable Artisans
One of the best ways to ensure the piece holds high value is to get it from reputable artisans. These can be emerging artists such as Kristi Cavataro, who revitalized stained glass and created glass sculptures worth at least $20,000. Lino Tagliapietra is also a good option due to his craft in Venetian glass sculpting, turning molten glass into beautiful pieces.
6. Choose The Size Correctly
Handmade glassware needs to fit the space in the room, along with the purpose. The items shouldn’t be too large nor too small. For example, a huge vase in a small room could overwhelm the space, whereas a small piece in a big room could risk going unnoticed.
7. Go for a Mix of Functional and Aesthetic Art Glass
People often purchase handmade glass just for aesthetic purposes, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be functional, too. To create a balance, it’s best to use both functional and artistic pieces, such as hand-blown wine glasses. Murano glass bowls or decorative vases to hold your flowers are also suitable choices that mix functionality and beauty.
Conclusion
Artistic glassware has been around for more time than we can comprehend, its beauty and craftsmanship creating a legacy. Whether it’s used for home decoration or as a museum display, it’s important to carefully select and position these superb pieces. This way, the glass will truly shine in its surroundings.
