G L A S S HANDBOOK OF CULTURAL MATERIALS BAAD 3111 Introduction to Materials & Techniques PREPARED BY: NUR AMIERA HASYA BT HASRIJAM 2011250
Handbook of Cultural Materials: Glass Copyright 2022 by Nur Amiera Hasya Binti Hasrijam International Islamic University Malaysia Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design Department of Applied Arts and Design Semester 1 2022/2023 BAAD 3111 Introduction to Materials & Techniques Asst. Prof. Dr. Rajabi Binti Abdul Razak Prepared by: Nur Amiera Hasya Binti Hasrijam (2011250) All rights reserved. No parts of the book may be used or reproduced in any matter without the express written permission of the publisher, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Historical Background Manufacturing techniques Motif & pattern Application Historical Background Manufacturing techniques Motif & pattern Application INTRODUCTION HISTORY OF GLASS OBJECTS GLASSMAKING METHODS CASE STUDY 1 CASE STUDY 2 Historical Background Manufacturing techniques Motif & pattern Application CASE STUDY 3 MATERIAL PRESERVATION CONCLUSION REFERENCES 1 3 5 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 15 16 17 18 19 19 21 23 26 27
INTRODUCTION 1 Glass is a non-crystalline amorphous solid material that appears transparent and sometimes translucent. It is one of the inorganic materials, which are materials that are made without using natural substances. It is formed by the rapid cooling or quenching of molten forms such as silica sand that is raised in temperature until it is molten. Glass is a versatile material with varying kinds and properties and since ancient times, had been used for practical, technological and decorative use. PROPERTIES OF GLASS Hard Brittle Chemical Resistance Colour and shape variation Pressure and breakage resistance Insulation Transparency
2 USES OF GLASS Tableware Mirrors Packaging Electronics Architecture Laboratories Art Optics
650 BC HISTORY OF GLASS OBJECTS Glass has a long history of over 5000 years where it was perhaps originated in Mesopotamia and was later brought to Egypt. It has since been spread to various places and crosses various eras in history. Glassmaking has also evolved from simple items into more elaborate and unique items. First glass making manual was written, stored in Assyrian Assurbanipal's Library. Invention of blowing glass technique. 1 AD Rapid development and growth of glass melting, working and forming technology in the Mediterranean region during the Roman Era 25-400 AD 100 AD Glass cost declines rapidly and now becomes available to normal citizens. 3 Figure 1: Glass blowing technique depicted by ancient Egyptians. (Working the Flame)
600-699 1330 1500 1600 Domination of Venice glass center in glass production. Murano Island became a major glass center. 1000AD Caspar Lehman, a Prague glassmaker, used the technique of cutting rock crystal to glass. Start of strong Islamic influence in glassmaking. Angelo Barovier invented "cristallo" which is a clear and colourless glass. French glassmakers produced "crown glass' in Rouen, France. 1765 "Crystal Glass" production marked a new era in glass industry. Industrial Revolution dawned a new era in glass industry by creation of synthetic glasses. 1800 1903 An automatic glass blowing machine was invented by Michael Owens 4
5 GLASSMAKING TECHNIQUES 2) MOULD BLOWING METHOD This technique developed from the invention of glass-blowing, probably in the first quarter of the first century AD. It is made by blowing hot glass into a mold made of clay, wood, or metal which glassmakers have created decorative vessels by using a mold with incised designs. 1) BLOWING METHOD The technique of glass-blowing with the use of a hollow metal blow-pipe began during the last quarter of the 1st century BC. The knowledge of inflation and the blow-pipe combination revolutionized glassmaking by enabling glassmakers to make vessels quicker and efficiently with greater variety in shapes. Figure 2: Glass blowing technique depicted by ancient Egyptians. (Working the Flame) Figure 3: Glass blowing technique depicted by ancient Egyptians. (Science Direct)
6 4) WHEEL ENGRAVING GLASS Wheel-engraving is a process of glass surface decoration by the grinding action of a wheel, using disks of various sizes and materials that is usually copper but also sometimes stone and an abrasive in a grease or slurry applied to a wheel. The engraver will then hold the object against the underside of the rotating wheel. 3) ENAMELLING GLASS Enamelled glass or painted glass is glass which has been decorated with vitreous enamel and then fired to fuse the glasses. It can create brilliant and long-lasting colours and be translucent or opaque. It began in ancient Egypt long after the start of making of glass vessels and 1400 years before glassblowing. With metal enamels on glass surfaces, gum tragacanth may be used to make sharp boundaries to the painted areas. Figure 4-5: Products of glass enamelling. (Pinterest) Figure 6: Wheel engraving glass process. (Ruskin Glass Centre) Figure 7: End product example. (Wikipedia)
CASE STUDY 1 made in 1855 (H)= 32.5cm GOBLET 7 Source: Victoria & Albert Museum
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Produced by Franz Paul Zach (1819–1881), a Bohemia glass engraver. He was born and trained in glass making in Prague before moving to Munich in 1843 where he shared a house with Franz Steigerwald, the retailer of this goblet. Currently it is in display at the Victoria & Albert Museum as part of the ceramics collection. Previously, it was bought at the Paris 1855 Universal Exhibition from Steigerwald. 8 Figure 7: Record of the item in the museum. (V&A Museum)
9 MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES The goblet is made of 2 parts; the bowl and the stem part. The glass used was a cased, cut and engraved glass, specifically using the wheel-engraving technique. The glass is clear and transparent, with a thin blue glass overlay that is blown in 2 sections. The bowl and the stem are connected with a cut-glass screw thread. The bowl is wheel-engraved through the blue upper layer with a bacchanalian scene, while the foot has cut panels. This was done by Franz Paul Zach himself. The goblet glass was probably blown at Wilhelm Steigerwald's Schachtenbach glassworks. bowl part stem part
MOTIFS & PATTERN 10 Follows a Renaissance style. Depicts a lively mythological scene as the motifs present around the goblet's surface. It shows Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, riding a goat and his wife Ariadne, a Cretan princess, riding a panther. Bacchus's followers, which includes a goathooved satyr, are carrying a type of staff topped with a pine cone called thyrsus, which is a symbol of fertility. Besides the motif, there is also an inscription engraved which includes "F. Zach" or "F.P. Zach"
11 Another side of the goblet depicting more of the motifs
APPLICATION The goblet was created with an intention as an exhibition instead of for its function. Technically, goblets are drinking glasses with a foot and stem which are popular in the West. 12
CASE STUDY 2 made in 1320-1330 (H)= 28.9cm (max W)= 25.4cm MOSQUE LAMP Source: Victoria & Albert Museum 13
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND This Mamluk-era mosque lamp was created for Qijlis, who was a high official and had been the sultan’s armourer. Qijlis was promoted arms-bearer to al-Nasir Muhammad, Mamluk Sultan of Egypt, in 1321, and died in 1331. His first state office was in 1317 when he was appointed leader of the pilgrimage. It is said to have been found in Dair Saiyidinaiya, a monastry near Damascus, Syria. Currently in display at the Victoria & Albert Museum as part of the Middle East Section. Figure 8: Record of the item in the museum. (V&A Museum) 14
MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES The material used is glass which has been created using gilding and enamelling techniques. MOTIFS & PATTERN Has the calligraphic inscription of a quotation from the Quran which mentions “the mosques of God” and this is found between the roundels of the lamp. The sword emblem of Qijlis is also found on the surface. Calligraphic inscriptions of Quran quotations Sword emblem at center 15
APPLICATION Lighting was a wealthy luxury before the introduction of electricity. Thus, providing light in an Islamic religious building was seen as a great and generous act that would be rewarded by God. Donors would pay for lamps and the supply of oil and wicks they required. Particularly during the Mamluk era, donors commissioned lamps and lamp-holders of glass and metal that were typically large and unique which all have inscriptions of their names. Figure 10: Mosque Lamp of Amir Qawsun, ca. 1329–35 (MET Museum) Figure 9: Islamic Lamp, ca. AD 1299–1340, (Ashmolean Museum) 16
CASE STUDY 3 made in 1670-1710 (H)= 94mm (W)= 52mm Depth= 26mm SCENT BOTTLE Source: Victoria & Albert Museum 17
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Created in the late 1600s in Orléans, an important town on the River Loire in France probably by Bernard Perrot or his workshop. He owned the sole glassmaking business in Orléans during the final decades of the 17th century so this scent bottle was probably made in his glasshouse. Currently in display at the Victoria & Albert Museum as part of the ceramics collection. Figure 11: Collections from Bernard Perrot's glassmaking business. (Scottish Antiques) 18
MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES MOTIFS & PATTERN There is relief-moulded decoration present on the surface of the bottle. One side has 3 fleurde-lys underneath a royal crown flanked by 2 palm-branches. While another side has a group of 3 rosettes and 3 flaming hearts from the uppermost of which springs a tulip that is similarly flanked with palm-branches. The presence of the fleur-de-lys is of heraldic significance as the symbol of the Bourbons (the house of kings of France) while the flaming hearts symbolise the house of Orleans, either a reference to the town itself or the house of the Duke of Orleans. Used mould-blown glass along with a pewter mount and stopper. The glassmaker blew a bubble of glass into a 2-part mould, with the seams visible along the side edge. The whole bottle is transparent, with an ambercoloured glass and a flattened pear-shaped body. 19
The side with the fleur-de-lys with a crown on top flanked by 2 palm-branches The other side with a group of 3 rosettes and 3 flaming hearts similarly flanked by 2 palm-branches 20
APPLICATION This scent bottle would have fitted and been carried in its owner’s pocket, due to its small size and easy portability. The bottle would probably have contained perfume, holy oil or possibly snuff. 21
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23 MATERIAL PRESERVATION To preserve and protect glass items and glass made artefacts, many aspects around the items needs to be controlled. This includes controlling the surrounding environment and taking preventive measures for extra precautions. The best way is to take care of glass items by avoiding the 10 factors of deterioration which can bring potential harm to them. Physical Force Pests Fire Theft and vandals Light, Ultraviolet and Infrared Incorrect temperature Incorrect relative humidity Water Pollutants Dissociation 10 AGENTS OF DETERIORATION
24 Glass objects are fragile in nature and can easily break with high pressure and force. Thus, proper protection, securement and handling are vital when managing with the glass items. 1) PHYSICAL FORCE Some of the common pests involved with glass items include microorganisms, insects, rodents, birds and bats. It is important to take good care of the glass and its environment to avoid attracting these pests. 2) PESTS Fire problems include burning, soot deposits, melting, warping, discoloration, embrittlement, cracking, and even shattering. Interventions from these problems that can implemented are like the installation of fire protection equipment and establishing procedures for emergency situations. 3) FIRE 4) THEFTS & VANDALS Visible light can cause glass colour fading, Infrared light can cause heating which can lead to damages on the glass while ultraviolet light have no effect on them. The best way to take care of the glass from harmful radiation is to remove the source. 5) LIGHT, ULTRAVIOLET & INFRARED This can lead to possible fractures. Having a stable surrounding temperature can help prevent destruction. 6) INCORRECT TEMPERATURE The general protection strategy from thieves and vandals is to “protect, detect, response, and recover” any possible losses.
25 It can lead to crizzling (when the level is below 40%) or weeping of glass (when the level is above 55% and loses luster). Controlling and stabilizing the relative humidity levels can protect the glass. 7) INCORRECT RELATIVE HUMIDITY 8) WATER It is not a major problem for glass items, but can lead to more serious ones if more exposed. Glass should not be kept in places where the threat of water exposure could occur like at low grounds or near places where water can pool. Pollutants that are airborne or atmospheric are not harmful to glass. However, intrinsic pollutants may cause deterioration or degradation. 9) POLLUTANTS 10) DISSOCIATION Glass items may appear large or small, which leads to a greater risk for being mishandled than something more obtrusive. It can cause problems like misplacement, lost items and damage. Having a good record and organization can keep track of the items and their locations.
26 CONCLUSION Glass is an inorganic material that has been widely used through the centuries in a variety of ways that prove beneficial in a lot of aspects. Its versatility to be used in many functions make them a popular material that can be found almost anywhere. Its transparent nature also proves aesthetic which makes them unique. As a fragile object by nature, glass items and especially glass artefacts needs to be handled properly with great care to prevent defects like breakage, discoloration and staining for instance.
REFERENCES 27 Wikipedia Contributors. Glass. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass#Uses Industrial glass - History of glassmaking | Britannica. (2023). In Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/glass-propertiescomposition-and-industrial-production234890/History-of-glassmaking Glass Techniques. (2022). Ktb.gov.tr. https://www.ktb.gov.tr/EN-120372/glasstechniques.html Wikipedia Contributors. (2022, September 7). Engraved glass. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engraved_glass Wikipedia Contributors. (2022, December 26). Enamelled glass. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enamelled_glass#Tech niques Glass Timeline - Important Dates and Facts. (2023). Historyofglass.com. http://www.historyofglass.com/glasshistory/glass-timeline/ Victoria. (2023). Goblet | Zach, Franz Paul | V&A Explore The Collections. Victoria and Albert Museum: Explore the Collections. https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O709/gobletzach-franz-paul/ Victoria. (2023). Mosque Lamp | Unknown | V&A Explore The Collections. Victoria and Albert Museum: Explore the Collections. https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1502/mosquelamp-unknown/ Victoria. (2023). Scent Bottle | Perrot, Bernard | V&A Explore The Collections. Victoria and Albert Museum: Explore the Collections. https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O4388/scentbottle-perrot-bernard/ Wikipedia Contributors. (2021, October 4). Conservation and restoration of glass objects. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservation_and_restoration_of_ glass_objects
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