The Study of Glass-making Techniques from Achaemenid Era to Timurid Period in Iran

According to historical and archeological documents, glass-making has enjoyed a rich historical and artistic background. The purpose of this research is to know the history of Iranian glass art from the Achaemenid period to the Timurid era as well as to study the techniques of glass-making. Therefore, the present study seeks to answer this main question: What were the techniques of glass-making from the Achaemenid period to the Timurid era and what changes did they undergo? The method of this research is descriptive-analytical, and its data has been collected through library study. The results have indicated that by the time of invention of the blow rod, the methods of glass-making were often inspired by the methods used in pottery and metalwork. However, the invention of glass-blowing in the Parthian period brought about a fundamental change in glass-making in Iran. That situation resulted in separation of this art from common traditions of the past. The techniques of pressing in a mold, glass mosaic, sand and rod mold, casting and lost wax are among the methods of glass-making works before blowing. Due to many capabilities of this technique, including the possibility of creating works with various forms, diverse dimensions, and a large number as well as the possibility of innovation in manufacturing and decorating of glass, glass-blowing has received attention in following periods, despite the fact that glass-making methods had suddenly become popular. They were not changed, but the emergence of new methods over centuries resulted in the growth and prosperity of glass-making in Iran during the Islamic era until the Mongol invasion.