A craft with history

In the western Afghan city of Herat, glass has been made in the same way for centuries. Today, only one family still preserves this craft.

Herat glass is made by hand using traditional methods, over open clay kilns, without machines or molds. The tools and techniques are similar to those invented in the Middle East over 2,700 years ago.

The knowledge is passed down within the family, from father to sons, through daily practice.
This continuity makes every piece of Herat glass a bearer of history.

Photos: © Reza Amini

When the craft threatened to disappear

At the end of 2023, a severe earthquake shook the region around Herat.
The glassblowing family's workshop was also damaged.
The continuation of this millennia-old tradition was suddenly at stake.

Inspired by journalist Wolfgang Bauer, known for his reports for Die Zeit, we decided to help them help themselves: we pre-financed the restart of the workshop and enabled the family to continue their tradition.

What was almost lost can now continue.
In this way, tradition becomes a perspective for the future.

Photos: © Reza Amini

Handcrafted:
Blown over an open fire and freely shaped

Food safe & tested:
Tested by SGS Institut Fresenius,
for safe use

Resource-saving
Melted-down waste glass, re-formed by hand