Glass Art

Glass has captivated the imagination of human beings due to its ability to transform light, form and colour into a breathtaking piece of art.

Glass is a transparent and versatile material that is made by melting sand and other minerals at high temperatures. When silica (sand), soda ash, and limestone are melted and then cooled, they solidify without a regular crystal structure. It results in a unique brittleness and a crystalline structure. In its liquid form, it can be moulded, blown and cut into various shapes and sizes. It is weather-resistant and chemical-resistant. But Glass is a poor conductor of heat and electricity. Firozabad glass products are renowned for their intricate craftmanship, vibrant design and glass blowing technique. Natriel offers range of glass products in different variety, colour and sizes to suit every taste and space.

History of Glass

Glass making began around 3500 BCE in Egypt and Mesopotamia when it was discovered by early civilization. By the 1st century BCE, the Romans revolutionized the process of glassmaking using the intensive technique called glassblowing. Glass has been used to make various daily products such as windows, decorative items and containers. In the Middle Ages, glass gained artistic prominence with the development of stained-glass windows in churches and cathedrals across Europe. During the industrial revolution, time and technologies evolved, which led to mass production. Glass continued to be important, with its functional and artistic applications.

Legacy of the Glass Industry in Firozabad

Firozabad is situated near Agra and is known as the Glass City of India. For 200 years, Firozabad has been making Glass Bangles, and now it has become it’s world’s largest producer. This skill has been transferred from one generation to another. With time, people shifted to making glassware such as beakers, containers, flasks for laboratories. Other products such as light bulbs, lighting equipment or glass art items like toys, idols, candle stands, birds, fruit or animal figurines and drinking glasses were made using glass.

For decades, the Firozabad population has been engaged in glassmaking, which has made it a hub for glass production. Bangle-making provides jobs to around 50,000 families in the city. Every bangle goes through 45 to 50 hands before turning into a bangle. This city is filled with skilled and semi-skilled workers who are engaged in the development of Glassware. Small-scale industries in the city alone contribute to around 70% glass production which provides employment to 150,000 people around the city.

Process of making Glass: From Fire to Form

The art of making glass is quite detailed and delicate, which transforms raw materials into beautiful creations. It requires care and skill that reflect generations of artistic precision and traditional artistry.

1. Gathering raw materials – Glass is made from materials such as silica, soda ash and limestone or broken glass. It is heated at high temperatures around 1700°C to form molten glass.
2. Melting and shaping – This molten glass is shaped using the glassblowing technique. In this technique, artisans blow air using a pipe into glass. It is a long hollow metal tube which is made of iron or steel. One end is dipped into molten glass while the artisan blows air through the other end. It helps in creating bubbles inside this molten glass, which is later shaped by rolling, swinging or using moulds. 
3. Colouring and Shaping – After shaping the glass, it moves into the colouring stage. Mineral pigments like cobalt for blue or chromium for green are mixed directly into molten glass, then applied to the surface after shaping. 
4. Finishing touches – After shaping and colouring, glass products are polished and shone. It is later engraved with a delicate pattern or adorned with beadwork. It will enhance beauty, texture and craftsmanship.
5. Unique handcrafted art – Every piece is handcrafted, so it has an artisan's touch, which ensures no two items are similar.

Types of Glass home decor Products at Natriel

1) Serveware and Tableware

• Decorative Glass Bowl – Natriel offers a stunning Decorative glass bowl, which is a Natriel’s bestseller product. This piece could be kept as the center piece, and its captivating, ribbed design will get the attention of your guests. 
• Glass Mug/tumbler - Natriel offers a Glass tumbler with a reusable straw with a minimalistic design and unique shape. It is perfect for serving smoothies, mocktails and other beverages. 
• Glass Containers – Natriel offers glass containers with an elephant-designed lid. These glass containers are ideal for storing dry condiments such as tea, sugar, salt and coffee. 
• Glass Jars – Natriel offers unique-shaped jars which can be used to showcase candles. It bringa a calm and cozy feel to your space. 

2) Showpiece/Idols

• Glass Ganesha – Natriel has a wide variety of Ganesha idols, which are transparent and available in different colours. These exquisite pieces will bring radiance to your space and can be kept in different places, such as the pooja room, living room or bedroom. 
• Glass Deer figurine - Natriel offers a running deer figurine, which is transparent and available in different colours. It's a striking decor piece which adds beauty and elegance to any room. 
• Glass Fish figurine – Natriel offers a fish figurine which has vibrant colour and a golden hue. This figurine is perfect for water lovers as it will evoke a sense of calmness in your life and home. 

3) Home Decor

• Glass candle holder – Natriel offers a candle holder which creates a serene ambience in your home. This candle holder's surface showcases the design of deer and trees, which brings the essence of nature. 
• Mosaic T light Holder - Natriel offers Mosaic patterned T light holders, which you can use to add candles. These T light holders have intricated craftsmanship and colorful glass, which will create an appealing light effect. It is perfect for cozy nights and festive gatherings. 
• Glass Vase - Natriel offers a variety of flower vases whose stylish appearance can bring charm to your office. These vases are eye-catching and can be placed on coffee tables or bedside sofas. They are perfect examples of handcrafted glass art where traditional technique meets modern design to create artistic pieces. 
• Mosaic Glass Lamp - Natriel offers a mosaic patterned lamp which will elevate your space. It features intricate floral patterns with a vibrant design of coloured glass. It is perfect for your living room. 
• Glass Hanging Ball – Natriel offers a glass hanging bowl, which adds rustic ambience to your space. You can showcase plants, decorative pieces and candles in the ball, which can be showcased indoors or outdoors. 
• Glass Terrarium - Natriel offers a glass terrarium which has a sleek transparent dome design. It can be used to showcase diya, candles and small plants. The minimalistic design of this product will add an elegant touch to your home.

You can use these handmade glassware products to decorate your home or gift to your friends and family. Natriel has an extensive collection of unique glass gift items.

Why choose Glass products?

Handcrafted glass products are a unique blend of authenticity, tradition and timeless beauty. Every piece is crafted carefully by skilled artisans, which preserves traditional techniques which add cultural value to every creation. These products are handcrafted, so they are different from mass-produced ones, making them one of a kind.

Many artisans use recycled glass and energy-efficient methods to produce these products, reducing the environmental impact and promoting mindful consumption. Artisans use glass blowing technique and shape glass by hand, which results in superior quality and durable products that can be replicated by machines. Be it the curve of a vase and the clarity of a drinking glass, they reflect the skill and dedication of an artisan.

Glass products are functional while they provide an aesthetic upgrade to your interiors. There is elegance and character in daily products. By adding artistic elements, one can enhance the lifestyle and decor of your home. Even if it is a center piece fruit bowl or wine glass set, these handcrafted products bring warmth, sophistication and history to your place.

Explore Natriel Glass collection here.