The first glass utensils to have been discovered hark back to 1500 BC. At this time, the manufacturing of glass for necklaces and trinkets was enjoying great success in Egypt and Mesopotamia. It was the start of an industry that later spread to the rest of the Mediterranean as a means of providing crystal objects to the Royal courts.

Later it was the Romans that perfected the technique to make all sorts of practical utensils, especially cups and vases. In the Middle Ages the glass industry was reborn thanks to the popularity of stained glass windows in churches and cathedrals.

During the Renaissance, Venice became the world centre for glass making. The Venetian glass blowers became masters at manufacturing and decorating all sorts of figures. This mastery was inherited by Germany and England, where glasses with air bubble-decorated bases and cut glass candelabras were made. The final spot of historical importance is Bohemia, whose glass continues to enjoy significant prestige nowadays.�

Categorisation
Any object, person or animal can be immortalised as a glass figure. For this reason, the shape of a figure can be as varied as the imagination itself. The following gives you an idea of the different categories that make up the exciting world of crystal figure collecting:

-�Human figures: These are probably the most numerous and can the form of men or women of different periods with the corresponding clothing. This can be classed depending on the period represented or the profession of the figures (soldier, clown, peasant& ).

-�Animals: Practically every animal has a glass replica. Some of the most popular figures represented in glass are squirrels, owls, horses, camels, butterflies, swans, rabbits, cats, bears, frogs, turtles, elephants, lions, dolphins, seahorses, dogs and fish.

-�Decorative objects: The crystal figures that represent purely decorative objects have evolved and changed over time and according to the tastes of collectors and manufacturers. You can currently find such objects as boats, pyramids, trains, musical instruments and cars in specialised stores.

-�Objects with a functional use: This category is taken up with a long list of objects that combine a decorative facet with an eminently practical use. Most collectors tend not to take up this practical option for fear of irreparably damaging the piece. The most common are vases, bottles, ashtrays, tables, liquor bottles, perfume bottles, candelabras, flower holders, paper weights, cups and glasses.