Transparent Paperweight - Hsinchu Handmade Glass

**Dimensions:** Diameter 12.5 cm, Height 2 cm - Due to the entirely handmade nature of our creations, each piece is virtually unique. Once a style is sold out, it will not be reproduced. All photographs are taken of the actual product, meaning the item you receive will be the exact piece shown in the images. This piece originates from Hsinchu, a region historically significant for Taiwan's glass industry, owing to its abundant natural gas and silica sand resources. The creation process employs entirely manual blowing and thermal shaping techniques. Molten glass is gathered onto a blowpipe, then meticulously shaped using hand tools such as tweezers, newspaper, and saws, with repeated heating. This craft was first introduced by Japanese artisans during the Japanese colonial era and has since been passed down through generations of Taiwanese masters over decades of evolution. The creation of a single piece requires tens of minutes of active crafting, followed by a full day of cooling. Our master artisans dedicate themselves before kilns reaching temperatures of a thousand degrees Celsius, repeatedly softening and sculpting the glass. This stands in stark contrast to the speed of mass production, where machines can produce an item in mere seconds. This dedication naturally influences the final price, and we appreciate your understanding. ------------------------------------------------------- For more information, please search Instagram: ccc.117 ------------------------------------------------------- https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51326655864_90d26afe74_b_d.jpg