Glass bottle (907/960) by UnknownMarine Heritage Gallery Jakarta
The process of making glassware was an intricate one that required patience, precision, and a great deal of expertise. It began with the selection of the raw materials, which included sand, soda ash, and limestone.
These materials were carefully measured and mixed together in large vats to create a unique blend. Once the blend was prepared, it was heated in a furnace at high temperatures for several hours until it melted and become molten mass.
The master craftsmen would then dip a long iron rod into the furnace and scoop up some of the molten glass. They would then carefully blow into the rod, shaping the glass as they blew.
This process was repeated until the glass took on the desired shape, whether it was a vase, a cup, or a bowl.
The craftsmen would use different tools to add intricate patterns or designs to the glass, creating truly unique pieces of art.
Green glass bottle
Green glass bottle with high slightly flaring neck, spherical body, with etching technique decor applied on neck and body.
Emerald green glass flask
The flask is made of emerald green translucent glass. It has a columnar, slightly flaring neck and almost spherical body, and small flattened base with a pontil mark in the centre. The flask has been blown and etched to produce geometric decoration.
Pale green glass
Transparent bottle with high flaring neck, thin body glass, mold-blowing decoration technique.
Different types of goblet
Glass bottle (907/960) by UnknownMarine Heritage Gallery Jakarta
The art of glassmaking in the Near East became a symbol of excellence and beauty. These glass ware sailed far to Indonesian waters signifying a friendly relationship between people from both lands.
Read more on 8 Masterworks from Cirebon Shipwreck
Written by Sonny Wibisono, BRIN (National Research and Innovation Agency)
