Freeblown

Freeblown, or free-blown, is a term used in glassmaking to describe vessels and forms that are shaped primarily by blowing and hand manipulation without the use of a mold. In freeblown work the glass is gathered on a blowpipe, inflated to create a bubble, and then formed into the desired shape through rotation, swinging, marvering on a work surface, and the use of shaping tools. When the piece is finished, it is often detached from the blowing rod or attached to a punty, leaving a pontil scar that can indicate the method used.

The key distinction is between freeblown and mold-blown glass. Mold-blown glass uses one or more molds to define the outer shape, which can yield more uniform thickness and precise silhouettes. Freeblown work, by contrast, typically produces more varied forms and thickness, with organic lines and sometimes irregular rims or profiles. This makes freeblown pieces highly valued for individuality and expressiveness, though they require greater skill and time to produce.

Historically, freeblown glass has a long-standing role in many glassmaking traditions and remains prominent in art and studio glass today. It is commonly associated with vessels such as vases, bowls, and bottles, where the form can be enhanced by decorative surface treatments, color layering, or rim shaping. In museum labeling, freeblown objects are often noted for the absence of mold marks and the presence of pontil features.

See also: glassblowing, mold-blown glass, pontil.