How Is Hand-Painted Evil Eye Glassware Made in Jordan?
, by Divya Chatani de Tourani, 4 min reading time
A look at the hand-painted evil eye glassware we bring from women artisans in Jordan, including three of our favourite pieces.
Hand-painted evil eye glassware from Jordan is painted by hand, with a paintbrush, by women artisans in Jordan, not by a machine. That goes for every piece we bring over from Jordan: the teacups, the water glasses, the carafes and plenty more besides. Today we are looking at three of them, and where to find the rest.
What does hand-painted evil eye glassware mean?
Exactly what it sounds like. Each evil eye is painted onto the glass or crystal with a paintbrush, by a person, instead of being made by a machine. Because every eye is painted by hand, small differences from piece to piece are part of the charm.
The eye itself is one of the oldest protective symbols still in everyday use. Encyclopaedia Britannica describes belief in the evil eye as ancient and found across many cultures, and the earliest known evil eye amulets have been traced back to around 3,300 BCE. If you would like the full story, we wrote about it in What Does the Evil Eye Mean?
Where does the glass come from?
The glass itself is sourced ready-made. Our artisans choose their blanks, the plain glasses, mugs and decanters, from the local market, using whatever is readily available, so the blanks can come from any number of different countries. What makes each piece what it is happens in Jordan: every evil eye is painted by hand, one at a time, onto the finished glass or crystal. The painting is the craft, and it is why no two pieces are exactly alike.
How is each piece painted?
Entirely freehand, with a paintbrush. Sometimes an artisan begins from an outline, and sometimes she works from her own interpretation of the eye. Either way, there is no template to follow, so each eye carries the character of the hand that painted it.
Because everything is done freehand, there will always be small variations from one piece to the next. No two eyes match exactly, and that is part of what makes each piece yours.
There is no single formula for the paint, either. Each piece is different: the design decides which paints are used and where on the glass they go, which is why the finish and detail can vary from one piece to the next. Once painted, pieces are usually baked in an oven, though this depends on the item.
How long does one piece take?
It depends on the intricacy of the design. Simpler pieces can be finished more quickly, while more detailed ones need a few days between coats. It is slow work, and that time is part of what you are paying for.
Why paint the evil eye on glass?
The classic evil eye charm is traditionally made of glass, so an evil eye on glassware feels like a natural fit. It is a protective symbol you can actually use, whether that is a decanter on the bar or a mug on the table.
Which hand-painted evil eye pieces from Jordan are in this post?
Three different pieces, and we have many more where they came from. First up is the Solera Evil Eye Crystal Decanter with Stopper, hand-painted crystal for US$60.
For the table, there are the Yasmin Evil Eye & Hamsa Mugs, a set of 2 in hand-painted glass for US$30.
And the Dalia Evil Eye Mugs, also a set of 2 in hand-painted glass for US$30.
What else do we bring from Jordan?
Quite a lot. A few more places to start:
- Hamsa Teacups, combining the evil eye and the Hamsa, hand-painted in Jordan
- Colorful Evil Eye Swing-Top Water Bottles, hand-painted glass from Jordan
- Nazar Trays, hand-painted serving trays from Jordan
Or browse the whole Evil Eye Protection collection.
Are hand-painted evil eye pieces a good gift?
They are a popular one. The evil eye is often given for a new baby or a new home, and it carries a simple, positive message: protection and good wishes for whoever receives it. If you are shopping for a housewarming, our housewarming gift guide has more ideas.
How do you care for hand-painted evil eye glassware?
Hand wash only, and do not microwave. All of these pieces are delicate and the eyes are painted by hand, so a little care keeps them looking their best.
- Wash by hand in lukewarm water with a mild soap and a soft cloth or sponge.
- Keep them out of the dishwasher.
- Avoid abrasive scourers and harsh cleaners, which can scratch the painted eyes.
- Rinse and dry soon after washing, rather than leaving them to soak.
- Never put them in the microwave.
Treat them gently and they will keep their charm for years.