Hand-blown glass snail figurine with green body and swirled shell.

Glassblowing is an ancient art form with origins dating back to the Roman Empire, where artisans would inflate molten glass into a bubble using a blowpipe. This technique allows for the creation of intricate shapes and delicate designs, making each piece unique. Over centuries, glassblowing traditions spread across the globe, with notable centers of excellence emerging in Venice, Italy, and later in Bohemia and other parts of Europe.