Original Glass Art

When you think of beautiful art, you probably first imagine a stunning painting with oil or acrylic paints. However, original glass art is another medium that adds color, texture, and beautiful shapes to your home and your décor. If you’re looking for a unique glass design, this art form has a unique history. Originally, most of the glass made by hand was used to make stained glass for windows, but it eventually transformed into a coveted art form that we see today. Original glass art was first developed in the countries of Egypt and Assyria. It has been traced back as far as the 1st century BC when Roman glass was used quite often and sold to buyers in the luxury market. During the Middle Ages, Islamic glass design was often used to add a decorative element to churches, buildings, and homes.

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Over the next centuries, original glass art took hold throughout Europe and was installed in the famous Norman and Gothic cathedrals, putting this unique art into the forefront of architectural design. In fact, stained glass was quite common during this time and can still be seen today in many original structures throughout the European continent. Murano glass took hold in the regions of Italy and soon became a status symbol of wealth and good taste. Today, Murano is still considered to be the original place where modern original glass art was born. There are many techniques used to make this stunning glass including cut glass as well as engraved and enameled glass. Cut glass did not become a mainstay until approximately 1730, while new techniques were added over the decades into the late 19th century. Some of the most famous glass artists include Tiffany, Lalique, and Galle. However, artists like Dale Chihuly have helped to bring the concept of glass into a modern context.