Novica Handblown Collection

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The art of hand blown glass or vidrio soplado has diversified throughout the world, yet it is in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, where allegedly more pieces are crafted by talented artisans with techniques passed down from generation to generation.

Blown glass art is said to have originated in present day Syria during the Roman Empire, which is how it arrived in Italy, where blown glass art developed various styles. At first, the focus was on color and design, then came the introduction of new techniques that resulted in greater transparency and thus fragility, which were highly admired. Thus clear glass items became more valued over tinted glass.

Blown glass techniques made it possible for a greater number of products to be crafted, making glass a material of frequent use in the creation of drinking glasses, wine and liqueur glasses and other type of recipients.

Without a doubt, what distinguishes Mexican hand blown glass art is the interplay of clear glass with such colors as cobalt blue and other vibrant hues. Techniques have been refined since the 18th century, when this art form was introduced in Mexico by the Spanish, and spread throughout the country. It is said that blown glass arrived in the region of Guadalajara, Tlaquepaque and Tonala in 1820, thanks to an initiative by the Church whereby priests wanted to improve the work of the small glass workshops, so they brought two master artisans from Mexico City.

Nowadays blown glass is a term reserved for the crafting of glass objects through the creation of air bubbles in the molten glass. One way these bubbles may appear is by injecting air through a metal tube with the use of a machine.

The other method, featured in our Hand Blown Collection, is the traditional way – when the artisan holds the metal pipe with one hand, picking up the molten glass with one end of the tube, spinning it while blowing through the other end of the pipe and shaping it with the other hand.

In Mexico, hand blown glass can result in any form or shape imaginable, from tequila shot glasses to highball, old fashion drinking glasses, and jumbo sized glasses. There are martini, wine and champagne glasses as well as beer goblets. Other shapes include pitchers, vases, ice buckets, snack bowls, salad bowls, fruit bowls, dessert cups and bowls, and more.

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NOVICA was started with a dream to create a better world for artisans, because a better world for artisans is a better world for all.

Along the way, the founders of NOVICA discovered something very important - as artisans around the world succeeded, there was also a visible and profound impact on the communities around them.

Your purchases are that powerful. They directly and indirectly provide for education, help with health care, fund basic needs, support children, preserve disappearing arts, and of course, spread happiness around the world.

The founders of NOVICA had a vision of the future that is not one of mega factories producing cookie cutter products for all to cheaply consume. Instead, a bright future that celebrates artisans who take the time to create an item by hand. A future where time is protected, where stories are told, where unique details are honored. Love, respect, inclusiveness become driving force.

For best chance of delivery for Christmas, place orders using Standard Shipping by December 14th. United States shipping only. Expedited shipping is unavailable. Allow for 1-2 days extra processing time. This product may ship separately from other products in your order and may have longer than normal shipping timelines as it will ship directly from its country of origin.

All sales of this product are final -- we do not accept returns or issue replacements unless there is a defect with the product. Please review our Returns & Exchanges policy.