This delightful Straight Clear Vase is part of a beautiful collection of glassware which is handmade
by talented craftsmen in Damascus, Alep and other parts of Syria as
part of a fair-trade enterprise created with the aim of supporting these
makers and their skills.This project not only opened up new markets for
the artisans helping them sustain themselves and their families, it
also gave them a new sense of value and appreciation for the work that
they do.
The Straight Clear Vase is mouth blown using recycled glass
bottles shipped from France to Syria and transformed through traditional
mouth-blown techniques passed down through generations. The handcrafted
nature of the pieces may result in slight differences in size and
colour. The artisans work tirelessly in a glass studio that operates
around the clock, driven by the demands of their hand-built clay
furnace. This kiln, constructed onsite from local clay must remain
continuously fired for days at a time. It is lovingly rebuilt each year
during Ramadan.
Due to the limitations of this traditional furnace
where precise temperature control is not possible certain colours such
as reds are difficult to achieve. But these natural variations are part
of what makes this glassware so enchanting. Irregularities, tiny
bubbles, and subtle shifts in shade all tell a story of craftsmanship,
resilience and cultural heritage.
The company supports around ten
families directly through the glass workshop, with many more benefiting
indirectly and each item purchased contributes to:
Fair wages allow artisans to meet their basic needs such as food, shelter, education and to live with dignity.
Craftspeople are offered a new market and renewed pride in their work, especially after years of instability caused by war.
Through
a circular economy model, French glass bottles are recycled and
reimagined into beautiful, chemical-free glassware in Syria.
During
the years of devastating conflict, many of these artisans were displaced
and faced hardship, including temporary exile but many have returned to
their homeland, rebuilt their lives and found renewed purpose through
their craft.
Dimensions: Approximately 28 cm high x 8 cm ø
Hand-blown from 100% recycled glass
Fair-trade certified and ethically produced
Eco-conscious and free from chemicals
Each piece is unique with no moulds used and no mass production