How to buy Glassmaking

• Hand-blown glass has small bubbles and a pontil mark on the base.
• Colours in hand-blown glass vary slightly between pieces.
• Check for chips on rims.

• Moulded factory glass sold as hand-blown.
• No pontil mark and perfect uniformity.

A genuine Glassmaking piece should come with a named place of making in Iran (often tabriz, shiraz, kashan) and a clear statement that it is handmade.

• Was this blown by hand?
• Which workshop made it?

• Wash by hand in lukewarm water.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes.

• Keep on stable shelves, away from edges.

Needs double-boxing and plenty of padding.

• Vintage Hand-Blown Glass Goblet, Handmade Persian Glass for Unique Table Decor, Middle Eas · Illustrative example · not for sale here
• Antique Persian Hand Blown Cobalt Glass Tear Catcher or Rose Water Sprinkler · Illustrative example · not for sale here
• Vintage Persian Stemmed Glass, Hand-Blown, Middle East (1960s) · Illustrative example · not for sale here
• Antique Colbalt Blue Hand Painted Persian Glass Hookah Base · Illustrative example · not for sale here

This guide is educational. It cannot confirm that any particular object is genuine, old or valuable. For important purchases, ask an independent specialist. Read the full Glassmaking entry.