What makes Egyptian Glass "Egyptian" ?
It’s a question asked by many new customers so we shall share the background of Egyptian glass making and what makes Egyptian Museum glass different from any other available today and for over 21 years.
Egyptian glass making in the modern form has been around since the beginning of the 19th century when a resurgence of the art form of glassblowing took place. Egyptian glass making is a highly artistic craft and the techniques are passed down from generation to generation usually from father to son as the profession is mainly limited to men. Men dominate the glass making industry for a number of reasons-strenuous work, extreme temperature exposure to face and hands and burn potential. And, in general, in Egypt, women do not usually work as crafters.
Egyptian Museum products are all handmade, mouth blown in Egypt of Pyrex glass. First, our factory imports fine Pyrex as tubes in different textures, sizes and widths. The Pyrex tubes come in smooth for etching, swirled from the inside and swirled from the outside. The process begins first with the glassblower who fires the glass and shapes the various aspects. The fire from his torch heats the glass to almost liquid form using pressurized oxygen to make the glass flexible. He uses a number of small tools to detail the item. During this process, he rotates the glass constantly and blows air through it quickly and precisely to achieve desired shape and look. Next, the engraver or etching artist draws the design on the item; and, hand etches with a sanding wheel the cuts in the glass. This is how the deep cuts on delicate glass with clear etching or gold etching or frosted etching are achieved.
After that, the painter applies color by placing it on a spinning wheel to evenly distribute the paint color which is either luster paint or organic paint both imported from Germany. Next, the painter applies 24 kt real gold to accent the treasure. After each paint process is complete, the item goes into the oven to bake in the paint and gold. Temperatures range from 550 degrees Fahrenheit for organic paint to 1100 degrees Fahrenheit for luster paint. And, baking time depends upon type of paint: organic takes 30 minutes and luster up to 1 hour. Then, the item is left out in the room to cool. Finally, a treasured art form from the past has become an heirloom for the future.
Many people think of tear bottles and perfume bottles when they think of Egyptian glass, but Egyptian Museum glass offers so much more. We have developed over 2300 products since 2001 including ornaments, tree toppers, glass eggs, candy dishes, ring holders, napkin rings, candle holders, vases, wine glasses and decanters as well as perfume bottles! In 2016, we introduced a successful line of hummingbird feeders that is growing for garden centers across the USA! In addition, we feature breast cancer awareness ornaments and gift items and donate $1.00 per piece to the Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt. And, yes, we offer custom products with low minimums.
Egyptian Museum is a company based on integrity, honesty, loyalty and hard work. We offer the highest quality Egyptian glass products in the USA at competitive prices with the widest selection anywhere. Thank you and welcome to the 2022 Egyptian Museum Glass Collection with over 84 new products developed just for 2024 with best sellers continued to be offered from previous years.
Thank you,
Mohamed Aemara and Linda Paul