Handblown Palestinian Glass, 800 Years in the Making

As you might have seen via Instagram, I recently got back from an incredible scoping mission alongside the UNDP in Palestine. I was traveling the country to get an overview of the diversity of products available, while also identifying challenges and opportunities from the perspective of both producers and exporters.

The trip opened my eyes, not only to the situation the country is facing but also to how important it is to promote and protect these fragile industries which truly need new market linkages. The product is there and ready without any design intervention – it just needs to be seen for all of us to know what incredible Palestinian talent is available.

Today we start with glassware, which Palestine is famous for. We traveled to Hebron (a village just outside Jerusalem) to meet with some of the area’s few remaining glassblowers. One artist that I met had over 54 years of experience. Their work is an eye-catcher, especially the iconic cobalt blue. 

The city of Hebron is famous for its production of ceramics and blown glass. Hebron glass is a distinctive glassblowing industry. It still occupies a quarter in the old city of Hebron, aptly called the "Glass-Blower Quarter." The glass industry in Hebron was established during Roman rule in Palestine and was originally commissioned to make stained glass windows for prominent churches and mosques throughout the country.

Palestine's glassware industry dates back to the 13th century and remains its most well-known artisan product. Among artists who specialize in this material, the secrets of their family trade have been passed down for generations. Glassware was traditionally seen in Palestinian homes combined with beautiful hand-painted ceramics. Blue is the most iconic color but it's also available in clear, green, turquoise, deep purple, and olive green. Traditionally, glass was used for functional items including drinking and eating vessels, containers for storing olive oil, petrol-based lamps, as well as jewelry and accessories. The raw material is recycled glass collected from houses throughout Hebron.

The glassblowing industry is one of the main attractions for tourists visiting artisan shops in Palestine. They enjoy learning about this art and seeing how the artists work with very high temperatures. In order to protect this tradition and encourage the growth of the modern glassblowing industry, more awareness needs to be raised. With a combination of recycled glass and highly concentrated heat, beautiful products are (re)born.

For more info about sourcing glassware, please email annie@aowhandmade.com or contact https://bethlehemfairtrade.org.