Forged in Fire: The Last Keepers of Ancient Herat Glass

For over 200 years, the Faizi family has been the last keepers of an ancient glassmaking tradition that dates back more than 3,000 years. This extraordinary craft, known as Herat glass, follows the same methods first developed in Mesopotamia and documented on cuneiform tablets from the 7th century BCE. Today, this family remains one of the last in the world to continue practicing this historic art form, passing it down from generation to generation.

Since 2014, multiple members of the Faizi family have represented this lineage at the International Folk Art Market. Nasrullah Faizi (2014/2015) and his nephew Khairullah Faizi (2023/2024) have both shared their expertise and artistry with the world, keeping this near-extinct tradition alive. In 2025, IFAM is honored to welcome Obaidullah Faizi, who carries forward the family legacy while exploring new innovations to sustain their craft in the modern era.

Using all-natural dyes and recycled glass, the Faizi family works with temperatures as high as 1,200 degrees Celsius to create strikingly vibrant vessels in shades of turquoise and lapis. Traditionally, men shape the glass while women adorn the finished pieces with intricate designs, a process that has remained unchanged for centuries. However, with mounting economic pressures, factory-made imports, and the impact of decades of war in Afghanistan, Herat glass is on the brink of disappearance. For the Faizi family, glassmaking is not just a livelihood—it is an act of cultural preservation.

Despite these challenges, their work has garnered international recognition. The Corning Museum of Glass and National Geographic have both documented the Faizi family’s dedication to preserving this ancient technique, further solidifying their importance in the global artistic landscape.

As the last living practitioners of Herat glass, the Faizi family is committed to both preservation and evolution. Obaidullah Faizi, like his ancestors before him, carries the weight of history in his hands. Yet, he also embraces innovation, incorporating molds and new techniques to keep the tradition alive. His journey to Santa Fe is not only an opportunity to showcase this rare art form but also a chance to exchange knowledge with other artisans, ensuring that the fire of Herat glass burns on for generations to come.