The fascination of glass lies in its transparency, colours and diversity of forms, its radiance, fragility, sharpness and durability. Glass craftsmen in the Ancient Near East have played a leading role in shaping these inherent material properties ever since glass was invented there more than 4000 years ago. . The exhibition takes a closer look at these traditions and innovations of the glass craftsmen and artists of the Middle East. The exhibition exposes the diverse design possibilities of glass in terms of form, colour and decoration and the production techniques that lie behind them.The exhibition also reveals the history of its appreciation up to the present day. Biographies of selected glass items on display from the museum’s collection give visitors an insight into how each one was individually produced, its original use, its restoration and how the objects came to be on display in the exhibition today.
