Glass, made in antiquity

Craftsmanship from ancient times

Equally special is the craftsmanship with which the glass utensils and ornaments are made. In recent years, the latest research methods have been used to fathom the technical aspects of glass from antiquity. In the exhibition, you can enjoy the beauty of the collection and learn more about the refined production methods of glass in antiquity.

First step towards mass production

In Egypt, glass was produced as early as the 15th century BC. Semi-molten wires of different colours of glass were wound around a core of clay, a technique that was used for centuries to make bottles. An important step in glass production took place in the second century BC when cast and polished bowls entered the household. They were made by placing a sheet of hot glass over a convex upright form and letting gravity do its work. The mould or form could be used more than once and with that the first step towards mass production was taken.

Nuclear reactor and X-ray techniques

For the exhibition Van Glas, various objects were examined in collaboration with TU Delft. Using new, scientific methods, scientists examined the exact composition and production process of glass objects from antiquity. They used a nuclear reactor and X-ray techniques. In addition, special research was conducted in the Allard Pierson using photography in a special dome with 64 built-in LED lights. The minuscule production traces that came to light answered various technical questions. The research results can be seen in the exhibition.

Modern Glass

In addition to the antique glass objects, works by two contemporary artists are on display. Bert Frijns (1953) and Emmy van de Grift (1998) were inspired by glassmakers from antiquity.

Bert Frijns calls himself a sculptor with glass. He lets glass plates melt in a round mould. Owing to its weight the glass sags into a bowl or vase shape. Frijns has perfected the art of letting the glass sag evenly and in a controlled manner. It is remarkable to see how he works in a tradition that began in the second century BCE in Southern Syria.

Emmy van de Grift, together with master glassblower Gert Bullée, created works in the glassblowing studio of the National Glass Museum Leerdam, with antiquity as a source of inspiration. They are characterized by the words: water, fire, handicraft, sand and air. Van de Grift's works are a tribute to the craftsmen from antiquity who developed the glass techniques.