Introduction to the Beautiful Global Art of Glass Mosaic (Tiffany)

Glass mosaic, also known as stained glass or Tiffany art, is a craft that uses various types of colored, textured, and etched glass, assembled with metal wires. In Iran, glass mosaic is an ancient and rooted art used to decorate doors, windows, orsi (overhanging windows), walls, and other objects. The artist creates geometric designs, and in some cases, wood is used instead of metal rods to separate the glass pieces.

History of Glass Mosaic Christians began decorating churches with stained glass windows in the 12th century, inspired by biblical stories. Each piece was cut from colored glass and connected by lead alloy rods. In Iran, during the Safavid era, a type of glass mosaic was used to decorate palaces and important buildings. The designs were entirely geometric, and wooden frames were used instead of metal rods. Today, this art is still used to decorate traditional buildings and historical landmarks. Notable examples of where glass mosaic has been used include the Dowlatabad Garden Mansion in Yazd (Afshar period) and the Golestan Palace in Tehran (Qajar period).

Glass Mosaic Art

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How to Work with Glass Mosaic The first step is to visit the site where the glass will be installed. In some projects, the frame construction is the responsibility of the person themselves, which ensures better coordination between the frame and the glass. After measuring and advising the client on the design type, the glass designs begin. During the design process, the client's preferences are fully applied. The next step is choosing the type of glass—colored glass, textured and acid-wash glass, and etched glass are some options selected by the designer based on the client's tastes. Then comes the cutting of the glass, all of which are done carefully by hand. Pieces that require additional engraving are sent to the workshop for hand engraving, where they are cut in a diamond shape that shines brilliantly, especially in the light. Once all the glass pieces are ready, the assembly or "framing" of the glass begins. The glass pieces are placed together using lead H-shaped soldering rods to complete the design. Then, the soldering of the connection points is done with tin from both sides. The wires used in stained glass are available in black, gold, and silver colors. There are no limits in the design or size of stained glass and Tiffany glass, and various styles, including classic, modern, and nature designs, can be executed using this technique.

Final Word Glass mosaic is one of the most widely used artistic productions and is applied in various fields, such as jewelry making, making containers, decoration, and creating decorative objects. Today, these products are made in two methods: the slump method, where glass is poured over a mold surface, and the negative mold technique.