Liuli
What is Liuli?
Liuli is a direct translation of “crystal” in Chinese, though its direct translation seems to vary depending on the era and usage (LIULI Crystal Art, 2023). Liuli is a method of glass crafting uniquely used by ancient Chinese craftsmen. The history of Liuli goes back thousands of years, with its conception being in the 11th century BC. This art can also be traced back to the Han dynasty around the years of 206 BC to 220 BC (Ensemble, n.d. ).
This type of glass making was typically used in creating bowls/cups, inkstone cases, and decorations for Buddha statues (China Daily, 2010). At the time, Liuli glass was seen as being as precious as jade. Moreover, according to a famous poet Bai Yuyi, Liuli glassware is even more special and beautiful when used to drink your beverages, like tea. Spiritually LiuLi means a clear understanding of spirit and wisdom, and is an important aspect among the treasure of China’s cultural heritage and history.
Even Though Liuli has a complicated history, it is crucial to know that it was, and still is, an impactful form of expression, allowing for creativity among glass craftsmen.
How is it made?
The creation of Liuli glass is not a simple process, as it requires time, patience, and the skills of a veteran craftsman.
These handmade glasses or crystals need to be put under a scorching 1400 degrees before they go through various steps of grinding, blowing, and sculpting to their desired form. Not all Liuli glass sculptures have bubbles, but the glassware that we are selling does. The bubbles are naturally formed in the production process, resulting in unique patterns throughout the glass, giving each glassware life or a unique spirit.
The duration of production depends on the overall size of the piece and how complicated the design is. These timeframes can vary from 10 days up to months, which exclude time set aside for planning.
How do I maintain the glasses' longevity?
Due to the glasses' unique properties and creation processes, it is important to go through some of the necessary steps to ensure your glassware's longevity:
- When you are first using the product, make sure to wash with warm water. After that first initial wash, just hand dry after use to avoid creating water stains on the glass.
- When you can, try to avoid any types of extreme temperature changes, whether that be from hot to cold or cold to hot. These sudden temperature changes may cause damages to your glassware, like internal cracks.
- To avoid any unnecessary damage, handle your glasses with care, like stopping any collisions or generation of minor scratches from improper care.
These are some of the main steps to ensure your glassware lasts. With this knowledge, go and add more Gohobi Liuli glasswares to your collection, and use them in all sorts of occasions, ranging from a casual afternoon tea to an important ceremony!
Conclusion
These are some of the historical backgrounds, production process, and maintenance information regarding Liuli glassware. With this information, why not immerse yourself in this rich Chinese culture, or even better, bring a little piece of Chinese history into your kitchen through Gohobi’s glass collection. No matter what shape or size you decide to select, there is going to be one that will be your favourite, whether it be due to a unique bubble pattern, or the significance of it being gifted by a special someone. These handmade glassware cups are not just a piece of artwork, but a glimpse of the lasting traditions of fine Chinese craftsmanship.
If you want to watch the various forms of Liuli glass production, here are some fun videos.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKdtPWo81dg&t=92s&ab_channel=LIULICrystalArt
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ju2evmYmmQ&ab_channel=Bossgoo.com
