6 December, 2022

Toasting to a Rich History: A Brief Overview of Glassware

You’re all probably familiar with the concept of glassware, but do you know its history? Did you know it took almost 2,000 years to figure out how to make clear glass? Or that most cultures are attributed with developing their own style of glassware? While this topic may not be everyone’s cup of tea, learning about the history of glassware will help you be an even more well-rounded host or guest at the next big party you attend. And they have become common promotional products.

Ancient Times 
In ancient times, glass wasn’t used for serving drinks. Pottery was commonly used, especially for wine and other beverages that needed to be kept cool. We don’t know exactly when it happened, but at some point, glassmakers discovered they could make vessels — like pitchers — that were strong enough to hold up to hot liquids. Because they were less fragile than clay or stone containers, glass pieces were also protected against spilling (an especially important development in a world before ice and refrigeration). And while we don’t know who first thought of creating drinking glasses with long stems, we know that by 1450 BC, they were invented in Mesopotamia and then brought to Egypt.

The Middle Ages 
Beer was one of — if not THE most — popular beverages in medieval times. As such, glass-making techniques were well-developed and very advanced for their time. For instance, early glasses were delicate and thin and could be made by hand rather than on a wheel or press. Even multiple different glasses were used for specific kinds of drinks (and eaten with specific utensils). Though they may seem archaic, they prove that glassware is far from an old idea.

The Renaissance 
Glassmaking began in earnest around 1400 BC, with the first glass tools appearing as early as 2500 BC. The earliest glasses were made from natural materials like sand and ash, but soon man began experimenting with recipes for substances that could be blown or shaped into the glass. Over thousands of years, glass recipes have evolved, and modern-day glass is created using complex processes that can yield impressive results. Today, most glasses are made from soda-lime or borosilicate, and both have unique qualities that make them attractive choices depending on their application.

Choose soda-lime glasses when you need something hardy and cost-effective. At the same time, borosilicate boasts greater optical clarity, durability and resistance to thermal shock at lower temperatures than other kinds of glass.

Modern Times 
The earliest evidence of humans using glass dates back over 1,000 years. It is believed that ancient people used volcanic glass or obsidian (an extremely sharp rock) as cutting tools or weapons. This theory goes hand-in-hand with another theory on how glass was first discovered: accident. According to an ancient Roman myth, it was either an Egyptian slave or shepherd who stumbled upon pieces of broken glass while tending their flock and thought it had magical properties because it reflected light. The idea caught on quickly and started being produced in mass quantities for people to use as mirrors, jewellery, and other personal accessories. 

References 
https://www.britannica.com/topic/glass-properties-composition-and-industrial-production-234890/History-of-glassmaking 
https://gharpedia.com/blog/raw-materials-used-in-glass-manufacturing-process

The Glassware Only Team