Hand-blown Glass 

In small Afghan glass factories, tools and techniques are simple. In the center of a small room, a fire burns in a kiln made of mud. Glass is melted together with a stone called tahkmak.  Once the heat of the fire melts the glass, metal and stones (copper, iron, steatite, lapis lazuli) are mixed in to give the glass blue, green or amber colors. For exceptional pieces, gold metal is used to give a ruby-red colour to the glass. The craftsman dips the tip of a metal pipe into the liquid glass and blows the glass to a ball at the end of his pipe. By turning, stretching and cutting the glass, he gives shape to a vase, goblet, or plate.

Herat is the centre of Afghan glassblowing. Traditional colors and designs make Herat glass unique in Afghanistan and the world. 

Discover the contemporary creations of Afghan glass artists by visiting the Herat Glass gallery.