Transparency, Brilliance, and Stained Glass Windows

During biblical times, it was said that gold was comparable in worth to that of common glass that we know today. Revolutions in the creation of glassware; however, have commercialized this previously rare product into an easily producible material. In the past, glass was a rare substance that originated in Mesopotamia and migrated into Egypt where it was more efficiently created. 

The Egyptians used a method called core-forming. A shaped core was made of clay and dung, then molten glass was wrapped around it and shaped by rolling it on a smooth surface. (Kinsalecrystal)

Not until the end of the first century BC was the production of common glass made more exquisite and rapid with the invention of glass blowing. A hollow tube was used to mold and shape molten glass  in this primitive process.  This method likely originated along the Mediterranean coast near Syria and backed with widespread support from the Roman Empire. As this civilization grew, so too did the availability and affordability of glass products up until the fall of the thrown where it then hit a great downfall. Glass production was temporarily restored; however, when stained glass was discovered and used in the decoration of Cathedrals.

For a while, Venice became the glass center of Europe as far as production and exhibition. In time, new discoveries in glass formation changed this. One example is the addition of lead oxide to molten glass to produce a more brilliant shine than had ever been witnessed in history thus far. Also, Ireland achieved a renown reputation as skilled glass makers by utilizing the pure white sand resources to produce a clearer glass than from common silica.

Modern advancements in glass making have lead to the artistic exposition of glass blowing. One name, above all others, reigns as the master of glass art. Dale Chihuly is an international artist famed for amazing revolutionary creations dating from early 90's to modern day.

One installation that deserves recognition over all others, is the famed Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem exhibition. This project was started with the goal of honoring the great land where glass was born. The location of development was the ancient Tower of David which drew over one million visitors to witness the artwork. A few sites that require emphasis are the Crystal mountain. This proves to be one of Chihuly's tallest projects and even features the ability to enter the mountain and view the glass in awe from the inside. Along with this creation are the development of the Persian Ceiling and the splendid blue and white towers nicknamed, the Medusa Towers.