Ancient Egyptian glass makers were diligent and precise in their use of oxides, in order to ensure that the correct colours and shades were achieved. Archaeological evidence suggests that glass-making was almost entirely monopolised by the ruling elite. Therefore, many glass inlays were owned by the Pharaohs, or were gifted to favoured officials by the royals. It appears that glass was almost regarded as a precious stone, probably due to the high level of care and attention required to make it and to form it into beautiful designs.
Core-form is amongst the earliest methods of making glass. The molten glass was wrapped around an organic core; thin trails of glass were laid around the body and combed in two directions to form the feathering, the vessel was then marvered to create the smooth surface, retaining an opaque aspect.
