Martini glass · Lviv · Frosted white

An ethereal presence, this elegant goblet is a masterwork of Ukrainian glassblowing artistry. Crafted in Lviv using the centuries-old guta technique and recycled glass, the piece features a flared shape with delicate white inclusions that seem to float within the glass. The distinctive controlled bubble sphere at the stem creates a captivating focal point, catching and refracting light.

The Craft. Artisans in Lviv make modern objects using a centuries-old technique called guta (or huta)- a demanding production method, which leaves no room for error. A molten ball is blown out through a tube and placed on an iron rod (pontius), readied for moulding. Masters pull, bend and cut the viscous glass using wooden bars and tongs, forming enchanting pieces that come to life after a day of slow cooling in the furnace. The designs are a reflection of the skill and artistry of the glassblower, who must work with precision and control to achieve the desired form and shape. 

The Heritage. Glass started its journey in Egypt, reaching the northern coast of the Black Sea a few centuries later. A particular form of glass blowing called guta started developing a millennium ago in the Kyivan Rus, often in small workshops of individual glassblower families, but also in bigger ones owned by Cossacks and monasteries. With the glass needs shifting from the church and princely courts to the common people, the glass production moved into larger workshops, such as the one established by Princess Isabella Lubomirska in the deep forests around Lviv- the famous ‘forest glass’ workshops that sprang throughout Northern Europe in the Middle Ages.

The Maker. It all started with broken glass for Masha Yakush. Masha's passion for restaurant culture and sustainability drew her to build the Yakush brand, working with skilled artisans in Lviv. The glass atelier collects broken glass from factories around the country to remelt it to form new exquisite objects. Yakush constantly experiments with shapes, colours and forms, and draws inspiration from antique tableware and ancient glass creations.