The Minute Gourmet

The art of glass making holds a special relevance in Eastern Europe and particularly in Romania. What is quite extraordinary about Romanian glass manufacturing is that it combines traditional themes from Rome and Constantinople, lending vivacious color and ethnic design to the glasswork. Eastern Europe has lots of fine sand, which allows glassmaking to flourish in the region and Romania in particular is well known for its exquisite art glass pieces.

Glass making in Eastern Europe and Romania emanates from the Murano style in Italy as most of the artisans studied glassmaking there. Up to the 13 century, European glassmaking was exclusive to Venice. But frequent fires prompted Venetian authorities to shift the furnaces to the island of Murano.

There has been a long history of making glass in Romania. Romanian glassmakers have successfully passed on this art for several generations and the craft continues to thrive in this part of Eastern Europe. In Romania, it is said that artisan’s only pass on the secrets of glass making to members of their family. More importantly, there is a rigid hierarchy in obtaining the coveted position as a glass blower. For example, a young man may take years before he can get to that stage within this strict hierarchy.

Romanian glass is comparable to any great piece of Eastern European mouth blown glass. And they are nothing like the ones that are made by machinery or inexpensive duplicates. Traditionally Romanian factories and glass studios manufacture clear glass utilizing pellets that are distinct and commonly found in Western Europe. And depending on the artisan, German pigments are popularly used for coloring or painting glass. The combination of this blend makes Romanian crafted glass truly a superior product anywhere in Europe. Though Romanian glasswork is normally not made from crystal, nonetheless, it carries a similar purity and shine. Glass products in Romania are not just great looking, they are also being produced to suit a host of lifestyles, from the traditional to modern and the line of products are guaranteed quality glassware that is both functional and decorative.

Romanian mouth-blown glassware is made by highly skilled artisans. They are very creative pieces with exceptional quality. They are also a prized collector’s item. Some of the work includes vases and bowls that are made as centerpieces as well as plates – the artisans who create these masterpieces learned their skills in Murano itself.

When it comes to Romanian glassware, each piece is distinctly unique. Each of the mouth-blown glassware may be described as an individual masterpiece in itself. They are exceptionally colorful, creative and elegant. Some of the works made by glass artisans in Romania are the most sought after pieces of contemporary art and have been on display in several galleries across the world. They are also prized as some of the top-notch pieces of glassware in the craft of modern blown glass art.

The contemporary glassware is not just placed in galleries to be on display, they also make great gifts, particularly wedding gifts, and decorations especially in restaurants, businesses and hotels. They can also be used as decorations while designing your home.

A Romanian glass artist and designer, Cornel Plescan now lives in the United States. For more information about him and his products go to: http://www.coniartglass.com

Nordic Ware Bundt Cake Keeper Deluxe $19.99 Clear as glass durable plastic 10.5 inch round base Twist to lock cover 5 year warranty

Granite Ware 16 Quart Seafood Pot $19.99 This black granite seafood pot is great for soups stews steamed vegetables and more 16 quart capacity measures 10 inches deep and 10.5 inches wide Comes complete with steamer insert pot and lid Not recommended for use on glass cooktops

Progressive Miracle Ware Bacon Grill for the Microwave $6.98 This microwaveable bacon grill is family sized and holds 7 to 9 strips of bacon and features an easy drain reservoir. Also great for cooking other microwave snacks Wash thoroughly before use by hand or top rack dishwasher safe.

Glass Coaster Set $12.95 Glass coaster set with wood stand. When stacked, these four coasters create a whimsical, colorful, piece of art. Take one out of the stack and you have your very own unique coaster! Set of 4.

Michaelangelo Masterpiece 20oz Cooler Iced Tea Glass $17.99 Made from lead free blown crystal glass. Set of 4 coolers. Made by Luigi Bormioli. Lasercut and reinforced fine rim. Dishwasher and handling safe.

Michaelangelo Masterpiece 15.75oz Double Old Fashioned Glass $17.99 Made from lead free blown crystal glass. Set of 4 glasses. Made by Luigi Bormioli. Lasercut and reinforced fine rim. Dishwasher and handling safe.

Michaelangelo Masterpiece 9oz Juice Glass $17.99 Made from lead free blown crystal glass. Set of 4 juice glasses. Made by Luigi Bormioli. Lasercut and reinforced fine rim. Dishwasher and handling safe.

Nordic Ware Microwave 4 Cavity Egg Boiler $7.99 Make perfect soft or hard boiled eggs in your microwave! Simple and fast Holds up to 4 eggs Nordic Ware 5 Year Warranty

Nordic Ware Tea Cake Pan $31.99 Want a delicious and creative way of making bite size cakes or candies? Try this Nordic Ware Tea Cake Pan and create miniature tea cakes chocolate candies or jiggling jello. There are 30 mini Bundt shapes all together. The heat reflective exteriors allow for uniform browning so as to enhance the unique design. Nonstick cast aluminum allows for easy clean up. Even baking and browning Cast aluminum Nonstick material Easy clean Lifetime warranty Made in the USA

Aqua Globes Mini As Seen On TV $9.99 Waters plants automatically with the perfect amount of water for up to two weeks. Each globe is individually crafted hand blown glass. Just fill it up and press it into the soil of your plant. As your plants soil becomes dry it releases oxygen into the globe which in turn releases exactly the right amount of water.

Sagaform Hand Blown Martini Glasses, Set of 4 $26.99 This Set of 4 Martini Glasses in assorted colors are made of hand-blown glass and make a striking addition to any cocktail party. Each glass holds 5 ounces and measures 3.25″ tall….

America Retold Sophia Cheers 9-Ounce Hand-Blown Glasses, Set of 6 $65.55 Set of 6 blown glasses etched with the word Cheers….

America Retold Sophia Sante 9-Ounce Hand-Blown Glasses, Set of 6 $65.55 Set of 6 blown glasses etched with the word Sante, a classic French toast to good health….