La Rochère Glass Now Available at Poggi Bonsi

May 22nd, 2008

Historians believe that the art of glass making came from Asia minor, however the oldest objects discovered were made in Egypt and Mesopotamia almost 4500 years ago.

The invention of the glass-blowing pipe during the first century AD was a major step in industrial production. This method was used throughout the Roman empire and spread into the French valleys of the Rhône, Saône and Doubs.

During the 13th century, Venetian glass makers settled on the Island of Murano. They became known for producing a glass more transparent and much lighter: cystallin.

At the end of the 15th century from the German region of Bohemia came a new thicker and harder glass based on Venetian glass: Bohemian crystal. Window glass was also produced in this region.

In the 17th century in England, glassmakers began using coal rather than wood to heat the furnaces. Modifications aimed at keeping the same quality of glass led to the development of a heavier, very pure glass with a silica and lead oxide base, with a previously unachieved sparkle: crystal.

Founded in 1475 by Simon de Thysac, a gentleman glassmaker, La Rochère glass-works is the oldest glass-works in in France and certainly one of the oldest in the world. We are delighted to add this fine quality glassware to our collection of Mediterranean products available in our online store www.poggibonsigifts.com.

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