Hand-blown vases

What are hand-blown vases and what makes them special?

Hand-blown vases are unique and authentic glass art objects, crafted by the experienced hands (and breath) of a glassblower. The process starts with molten glass that is bonded to a blowpipe and then shaped with extreme precision and creativity. Unlike machine-produced vases, hand-blown ones are always unique due to small imperfections such as air bubbles, variations in thickness and subtle asymmetries. This gives character and value to each vase and makes each hand-blown vase a special and personal object for the home or office. The craft refers to a symphony of craftsmanship: from collecting the liquid glass, heating, blowing, shaping to phased cooling. Glassblowing is an age-old tradition that combines technique and artistic expression. This is precisely why a hand-blown vase is not only functional, but also a collector's item or design statement.

The history and tradition of hand-blown glass vases

Hand-blown glass is thousands of years old. The oldest known glassworks originated in the Roman Empire around the 1st century BC, where glass blowing developed into a profession in its own right. Over the centuries, the technique spread to Venice (Murano glass), Scandinavia, Bohemia and the Netherlands. In each country it took on its own form and style. For example, Leerdam (the Netherlands), Kosta Boda (Sweden) and Murano (Italy) are still known worldwide for their hand-blown glassware. Even today, many traditional techniques are honored, while contemporary glassblowers explore innovative shapes and colors. The appeal of a hand-blown vase is partly that it establishes a link between traditional craftsmanship and modern design.

How do you recognize a hand-blown vase?

• Irregularities: No two hand-blown vases are exactly the same. Small air bubbles, slight variation in thickness and subtle asymmetry signal craftsmanship.
• Signature or mark: Quality marks often place a mark, signature or certificate next to the glass object. At Dutch Design, the signature is crucial for value and authenticity.
• Price: Original hand-blown glass vases are (much) higher in price than mass products.
• Details in finish: Rough edges, rough finishes and cheap materials usually indicate counterfeiting.

Also typical is the weight: hand-blown vases often feel sturdy due to the density of the glass. Sometimes the muzzle is slightly asymmetrical or traces are visible of the glass detaching from the blowpipe.

How much does a hand-blown vase cost? Pricing and examples

Prices for hand-blown vases vary greatly depending on brand, size, complexity, design and degree of exclusivity. Some current examples from the Dutch offer are:

With luxury design collections, for example with gold-plated accents, the price can even exceed €1000 for a unique or limited piece. Compared to machine-made vases, which are sometimes available from as little as €10, the price difference is large, but can be explained by the labour-intensive and artistic process of glassblowing.

Order or buy hand-blown vase directly

Ordering, buying or reserving a hand-blown vase online is easy thanks to the current range and fast delivery from Dutch webshops and stores. At most shops you can immediately see which models are in stock and often delivered the next working day. When buying, pay attention to security features and a reliable provider Many providers offer additional services such as personalization (engraving) or gift wrapping.

1. Choose a vase: pay attention to size, color, exclusivity, brand and price.
2. Check delivery times: usually available immediately, with special or limited models delivery times can be longer or you have to book in advance.
3. Order directly via the webshop, or visit a partner store for advice.
4. Pay securely via iDeal, credit card, PayPal etc.
5. Returns are usually possible within 30 days. Please note the conditions for returning custom-made (personalized) vases.

In Amsterdam there are several options to buy hand-blown vases. Mud in May has a wide range, including the well-known bottle vases by Klaas Kuiken. You will also find collections from other Dutch and international designers. There are also design shops, galleries, gift shops and specialty shops where you will find unique hand-blown glass objects. Outside of Amsterdam, cities such as Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague also offer beautiful collections in design shops or museum shops. Don't forget the museums and studios in Leerdam (the glass city of the Netherlands). Physically buying a vase has the advantage that you can immediately assess the shapes, colors and weight. Personal advice on, for example, styling or maintenance is often given directly in the store, but many webshops now also offer this online via chat, email or telephone.

• Tip: Combine your visit with a glassblowing workshop or workshop to experience the craft up close. This enriches your appreciation for the handicraft and provides insight into the making process.

The best way to clean hand-blown vases

• Lukewarm water and a little vinegar dissolve limescale and vase residue well. Immerse the vase in it and let it soak overnight if necessary.
• Use a soft brush for the inside of a narrow vase (bottle brush).
• Avoid harsh abrasives or aggressive cleaning agents that can attack solid glass layers.
• Always rinse with clean water and dry the vase well on the outside and inside to prevent water spots.
• For stubborn lime: fill the vase with warm water, add a dishwasher tablet and let it sit overnight. Rinse well.
• Do you have a narrow vase that you can't reach with a brush? Use rice grains: fill the vase with a little water and uncooked rice and shake gently. The rice gently scrapes dirt from the glass.

Hand-blown vases are often slightly thicker and more robust than machine-made vases, but still fragile. Preferably place them on a soft surface when cleaning to prevent breakage.

Advice: which hand-blown vase suits my interior?

• Industrial interior: Choose large, robust mouth-blown floor vases in smoked glass, brown glass or transparent for a tough look.
• Modern/minimalist: Designers such as Klaas Kuiken create sleek shapes in clear or slightly tinted glass, perfect as a subtle statement piece on a low cabinet or table.
• Eclectic or colourful: Select a vase from Pols Potten, Kosta Boda (Sweden) or Royal Leerdam with distinct colours, graphic patterns or relief.
• Rustic/Rural: Go for classic clear glass with light bubbles or for a convex shape in warm, subdued shades.

When choosing, pay attention to the ratio between the height of the vase and the place where it will be placed. A tall vase works well as a floor object, a low vase with a wide opening is ideal for a table or windowsill. Combine different sizes and colors for a playful effect, or choose one large statement vase.

Inspiration & trends: hand-blown vases of today

• Larger floor vases (sometimes more than 1 meter high) are currently striking as a real eye-catcher for your interior.
• Dutch Design combines sustainability and innovation: think of the use of recycled materials or design with a wink, such as with Klaas Kuiken's bottle vases.
• Colorful glass in the style of Kosta Boda; graphic patterns, spray-painted color gradients or subtle drawings inside the glass.
• Frosted glass, tinted glass with a metallic sheen or stain-shaped structures are becoming increasingly popular.
• Limited editions and signed objects are gaining in popularity: unique and an investment for the future.

Another current trend is to combine functional design (flower vase) with decorative sculptures, so that the vase stands out even without flowers.

How are Klaas Kuiken's bottle vases made?

Klaas Kuiken's bottle vases are known as iconic Dutch Design. The special thing about this series is that he takes existing glass bottles as a starting point. Each bottle is individually heated in a glass oven and re-inflated into a unique vase shape with a compressor that adds air. By varying the blowing technique and metal wire, each bottle remains subtly different, so you always have a unique piece in your hands. Klaas Kuiken plays with the tension between serial production and one-to-one craft. His vases can be ordered directly and are immediately available. The process is intensive and requires insight into both the material and design; Therefore, the objects are appreciated by collectors and design enthusiasts worldwide.

How do you maintain and store hand-blown vases?

Always handle hand-blown vases with care and avoid large temperature differences (never put a cold vase in hot water or vice versa). Place vases on a stable and soft surface, especially larger floor vases. Regularly remove dust from the glass with a dry, soft cloth and clean it with lukewarm water and a little bit of cleaning vinegar when using flowers. It is better not to store a vase in direct sunlight; Prolonged exposure can cause some colors and patterns to fade.

Frequently asked questions about hand-blown vases

• Are hand-blown vases always waterproof? In the vast majority of cases, yes, especially with glass. Pay close attention to ceramic ones without glaze on the inside. If in doubt, check with the supplier.
• Are hand-blown vases heavy? Hand-blown glass usually has a denser structure and is therefore noticeably heavier than factory glass; weight is not proof of authenticity, but can be an indication.
• Which designs retain their value? Signed pieces, limited variants and objects by well-known designers such as Klaas Kuiken, Leerdam, Murano or Kosta Boda are sought after by collectors, so that their value often remains at least the same or even increases.
• Is personalization possible? Many webshops and stores offer personalization through engraving or a certificate, ideal as a unique gift.
• Can you return a hand-blown vase? Most webshops have the legal right of return (14-30 days), except for custom-made vases. Always check the terms and conditions.
• Which flowers fit nicely in a hand-blown vase? The choice depends on the vase shape. Long, loose bouquets in high floor vases; a single branch or tulip in a narrow bottle vase; Game bouquets in wide, convex vases.