Handmade Liuli Crystal Glass Art Decor-Charging Horse Sculpture

Size: 6 x 2.2 x 6.7 inches (15x5.5x17cm)

This method of glass creation is notoriously difficult due to a number of factors including the instability of the molds used and the high firing temperatures needed to meld the glass paste into solid form. The method each artisan and studio uses differs slightly, but most require a total of 10-16 steps to complete a single piece.

The creation of Chinese Liuli Jewelry is different from the processes for most modern day glass. For tableware or jewelry, glass blowing is favored since one re-useable mold can be employed. Liuli creation uses a type of kiln casting method sometimes referred to as a lost-wax technique that uses finely powdered glass mixed with a binding substance and colorants. Depending on the mold used, solid or semi-hollow shapes are achievable.

In the world of Art and High Fashion, an ancient tradition is becoming a new vogue. Originally unknown outside of Asia, Liuli glass artwork and jewelry is seeing a surge in popularity not only in Asia, but also Europe and North America. While Liuli  is literally the ancient Chinese word for Glass, it is used in modern times to refer to multi-hued crystal glass created by hand using an ancient glass casting technique. This method of glass styling closely resembles the long popular French form of glass shaping known as pate-de-verre that literally translates to glass paste.