Muslin Glass – The Glassmaker’s Pride

Named after the finely woven french fabric “muslin”, this is crystal
blown to a thickness of only 0.7 – 1.1mm. It results in a drinking glass
with very dainty rim and an unforgettably delicate contact between mouth,
glass and refreshment.

Even an excellent glassblower needs many years of experience to create muslin
glass. The glowing melt hardens rapidly, so must be worked quickly and assertively.
Those watching glassmakers working in this way are always amazed at
their speed and virtuosity. Stunning is also the precision with which similar series
are shaped by hand – and yet the treasure of hand-blown glass lies in its minimal
irregularities. Muslin glass appears delicate, but is remarkably resilient thanks to its
inner elasticity and formal construction. In manufacture the glass is first blown into
wet wooden moulds. The resulting steam forms a “cushion” between the wooden
mould and the glass and is also responsible for the incomparable shine of the finished
piece. Stem and foot are joined free-hand by the master. After careful cooling
the annealed glass bubble is cut and the rim is smoothed and polished. A Lobmeyr
glass passes through at least 24 pairs of hands and four quality controls, the last of
which is always by a member of the family, before finally being available in store.

Attaching the foot of a glass by hand
Blowing glass into a wet wooden mould
Carafe/glass “Josephine“, POLKA (Monica Singer, Marie Rahm) 2006