Handblown Persian glass: what to look for

Characteristics

Traditional Iranian studio glass is free-blown or blown into simple moulds from recycled glass. Bubbles, seed, uneven walls and a pontil mark on the base are normal and part of the character.

Common forms

• Ewers and long-necked bottles (gol-ab-pash rosewater sprinklers)
• Drinking glasses and bowls
• Vases with applied trails or handles
• Lamps and bead strings

Handmade vs factory

Factory glass has perfectly even walls, identical repeats and mould seams. Handblown pieces vary from one to the next and carry a rough or ground pontil scar.

Care and shipping

Recycled glass can be more brittle. Avoid sudden temperature changes and dishwashers. Ship double-boxed with each piece wrapped separately.

A note on this guide

This is a general introduction written by the CraftPersia editorial team and has not yet been reviewed by a specialist. Workshop practice varies between towns and families; treat dates and figures as approximate and confirm details with makers, museums or published scholarship before relying on them.