What is the origin of handblown glass?

The art of glass blowing dates back to almost 50 BC when Syrian craftsmen invented the technique. Its popularity grew with the rise of the Roman Empire, taking it through Europe and then to parts of Asia and the Middle East. Soon after, the beauty and utility of blown glass made it widely known and desired around the world.The first glass made in North America was produced in Puebla, Mexico around 1535 by artisans from Spain. Handblown glass arrived in the Guadalajara area in 1820.Central Americas first blown glass factory opened in Guatemala in 1970. Its founders learned the art from local people, which made them valuable assets for two more factories that opened in 1972. Over the years, a small community of artisans from Quetzaltenango came together to create Cantel Blown Glass Artisans, a cooperative that works together with Novica to share these unique creations with the world.

Handblown at NOVICA United Kingdom

There are 261 items in this collection. Explore more!

Featured Reviews

Handblown rocks glasses, 'Hypnotic' (set of 6)

Mary

Sep 10, 2024

perfect for a maragarita

These glasses are pieces of art! The colors are just as bright as the pictures, and the swirl design is striking. I keep them on display, they are so pretty. Also substantial and heavy in the hand. LOVE them!

Glasses Set

Glassware Drinking Set

Cocktail Glasses Tableware

Glass Tableware

Eco-Friendly Tableware

Handblown Tableware

Drinkware

Handblown highball glasses, 'Cobalt Spiral' (set of 6)

Sharon G

Aug 14, 2023

Love Cobalt Blue

Love these cobalt blue glass-trailing glasses. Very sturdy and clearly handmade. I dropped one in my kitchen twice and it didn’t break. I have seen glass trailing design on ancient glassware and it is the same technique used on these lovely vessels. You can even use one as a casual bud vase. Highly recommend

Anytime Glasses

Beautiful

Cobalt

Cobalt Blue Drinking Glass

Cobalt Blue Glasses

Cobalt Drinking Glasses

Craftsmanship

Drinking Glasses Glass

Easy Grip

Tumbler Glasses Tableware