Published: December 07 2023
The tradition of handmade glass production in Hungary has been recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This accolade highlights the knowledge, craft, and skills involved in the production of handmade glass, which is a traditional and living tradition in Hungary.
The History and Techniques of Hungarian Glass Production
Hungarian glass production is influenced by German and Venetian types of glassblowing. The process involves multiple stages and requires special skills such as polishing, coating, and painting to achieve the final shape of the glass object. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, glass gained significant attention in architecture and applied arts due to movements like Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau. Today, the knowledge of glass production is passed on by glass professionals in various regions of Hungary, each with their own specialties.
Importance of the UNESCO Recognition
The inscription of the "Knowledge, craft and skills of handmade glass production" on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity helps to raise awareness of this rich tradition and the diverse techniques involved in Hungarian glass production. It acknowledges the significance of glass as both a material and an art form, and promotes the protection and promotion of glass heritage in Hungary.
Training and Preservation of Glass Heritage
In Hungary, glassmakers are trained at universities, secondary schools, and schools of further education. Additionally, several associations have programs dedicated to the protection and promotion of glass heritage. The professional coordinator of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Hungary is the Directorate of the Szentendre Hungarian Open Air Museum, which is responsible for inventorying the country's intangible cultural heritage, maintaining the intangible cultural heritage in Hungary, and coordinating the submission of items for inscription on the UNESCO list.
The Ever-Evolving Nature of Glass Production
Glass production in Hungary is a constantly evolving craft. It adapts and transforms to survive, incorporating new techniques and innovations while maintaining the traditional knowledge and skills that make Hungarian glass production unique. The recognition by UNESCO serves as a testament to the craftsmanship and artistic value of Hungarian handmade glass.
Questions & Answers
What is the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage? The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage refers to cultural practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills that are passed down from generation to generation within a community. These can include traditions, rituals, music, dance, craftsmanship, and other forms of cultural heritage.
What is the official name of the Hungarian heritage item that has been recognized by UNESCO? The official name of the Hungarian heritage item that has been recognized by UNESCO is "Knowledge, craft and skills of handmade glass production."
Who were involved in the nomination of the Hungarian heritage item for inscription on the UNESCO list? The Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, and Spain were involved in the nomination of the Hungarian heritage item for inscription on the UNESCO list.
What is the significance of the inscription of the Hungarian glass production heritage item? The inscription of the Hungarian glass production heritage item on the UNESCO list helps to raise awareness and recognition of the rich tradition and diverse techniques of handmade glass production in Hungary. It also contributes to the preservation and promotion of this cultural heritage.
What are the specialties of Hungarian glass production? Hungarian glass production has its own specialties from Ajka (western Hungary), Karcag (eastern Hungary), and Parád (northern Hungary). The final shape of the glass object is obtained through various stages, including polishing, coating, and painting. This tradition has been influenced by the German and Venetian types of glassblowing.
Who is responsible for coordinating the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Hungary? The professional coordinator of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Hungary is the Directorate of the Szentendre Hungarian Open Air Museum. They are responsible for maintaining the inventory of the country's intangible cultural heritage, coordinating submissions for UNESCO inscription, and the overall safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage in Hungary.
