Glassmade

Glassmade is a term used in design and material culture to denote objects or products where glass is the primary material. It highlights the material's transparency, translucency, and optical or tactile qualities, as well as the artisanal or industrial processes used to shape it.

The term is not a formal technical designation in materials science. It appears in catalogs, criticism, and design discourse to distinguish glass-dominated objects from those made of metal, ceramic, stone, or plastic.

Typical production methods associated with glassmade include traditional glassblowing, mold-blowing, casting, pressing, and fused or slumped glass techniques. Common materials range from soda-lime and borosilicate glass to lead crystal, tempered glass, laminated glass, and specialty optical glasses.

Applications span architecture, lighting, and interior design—where glassmade elements like façades, glazing, and luminaires exploit light transmission and color. In the arts, glassmade sculptures, vessels, and installations are recognized for craftsmanship and design.

Sustainability considerations note that glass is highly recyclable and can be repeatedly melted, though the production and transportation energy for glass can be substantial, and glass’s weight and fragility pose practical challenges in some contexts.

See also related topics such as glass, glass art, glassware, and materials science.