The universe of the Christmas bauble, emblem of the celebration, holds mysteries embedded in an ancestral know-how. Each piece, delicately crafted, combines art and tradition, linking the contemporary with the glass heritage of the Vosges. The creation of this wonder involves a meticulous process, where the passion of the artisans merges with the imagination of the designers.
This artisanal method, imbued with stories, celebrates innovation each year while respecting age-old rituals. The meeting of colors and shapes, orchestrated by master glassblowers, creates a captivating dance at the heart of the furnace. Each breath participates in the adventure, where the glass transforms under precise gestures, both delicate and powerful. The products born from this alchemy, like stolen memories of time, continue to amaze young and old alike.
Overview
Origin
The Christmas bauble was born in 1858 in the Vosges Mountains.
Manufacturing
The master glassblowers of Meisenthal create a new bauble each year.
Creators
Contemporary artists, such as Harmonie Begon, design unique creations.
Process
Glassblowing combines tradition and modern techniques.
Production
Nearly 70,000 baubles are produced each year, including reissues.
Materials
The baubles are made of colored glass, featuring inspiring patterns.
Limited editions
Unique pieces are created for each vintage, such as Piaf.
The glass heritage of Meisenthal #
Meisenthal, nestled in the Northern Vosges, possesses a majestic character thanks to its glass heritage. The master glassblowers, true artisans of glass, perpetuate a traditional know-how for generations. This emblematic place testifies to an unparalleled creation process, where each Christmas bauble flourishes in a ballet of heat and light.
From conception to final form #
Each year, a new Christmas bauble comes to life, the result of a creative collaboration between contemporary artists and glass artisans. The International Centre of Glass Art (CIAV) hosts these talented designers to bring original concepts to life. Indeed, the 2021 edition features the bauble “Piaf,” created by Harmonie Begon. Its decoration evokes the traces left by chickadees on the seed baubles hanging in trees.
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The magic of glassblowing #
In the blowing workshop, the artisans engage in a fascinating spectacle. Each blower wields the pipe with remarkable skill. A ballet unfolds: the glowing pipes brush against each other as the molten glass is shaped under precise gestures. Jean-Marc Schilt, master glassblower, states: “The glass decides; we must follow its rhythm.” This quote perfectly encapsulates the challenge of this discipline.
Preparation of raw materials
Before creating, it is essential to prepare the materials. The rods, those richly colored enamel sticks, are heated to 500 °C. The master glassblower then retrieves the glass at 1150 °C to make the bauble. Each of these steps requires meticulous attention, as temperature plays a decisive role in the texture and color of the final product.
The creative process of the “Piaf” bauble #
To design the “Piaf” bauble, particular attention was given to the layering of glass. When he blows into the pipe, the blower creates a marriage of colors and textures. This phase necessitates perfect synchronization between heat and movement. The shape of the bauble refines under Jean-Marc’s expertise, who uses a mallet to carefully shape the object.
The minutiae of cooling
After the initial melting, the bauble undergoes a gradual cooling process in an oven at 500 °C. Each piece is then examined by technicians who ensure its quality. Production reaches impressive figures, with nearly 700 Christmas baubles produced daily during the season. This fervor extends the ancestral tradition while meeting a contemporary market.
A palette of colors and designs #
Celebrating creativity, the collection of Christmas baubles comes in a dozen colors. Each artist brings their unique style, making each piece singular. The design goes beyond mere aesthetics to evoke emotions and memories, anchoring these creations in the hearts of admirers. “Each year, we expect artists to surprise us,” emphasizes Nathalie Nierengarten, confirming the hope that drives the process.
At the crossroads of inspirations #
Historical influences shape the design of these baubles today. Meisenthal stands out with a lineage of established artisans, having once collaborated with Émile Gallé. This tradition of innovation remains alive through the current artistic expressions, marked by the meeting of ancient techniques and contemporary designs.
