Mouldblown

Mouldblown refers to a glassmaking technique where molten glass is inflated into a mould. This process allows for the creation of glass objects with consistent shapes and intricate details that would be difficult or impossible to achieve through free-blowing alone. The mould, typically made of metal, ceramic, or even wood, has a cavity that defines the final form of the glass piece.

The glassblower begins by gathering a mass of molten glass on the end of a blowpipe. This gather is then introduced into the mould, which is often preheated to prevent thermal shock. Air is blown through the pipe, expanding the glass. As the glass inflates, it is forced into the contours of the mould, replicating its internal surface. The mould can be a single piece, or it can be made of multiple parts that are assembled around the glass.

Once the glass has cooled sufficiently and taken on the shape of the mould, the mould is opened, and the glass piece is removed. This technique is widely used in the mass production of glassware, bottles, and decorative items. Mouldblown glass can be further manipulated or decorated after removal from the mould. The complexity of the mould directly influences the complexity of the resulting glass object.