GLASS ITEMS

Mercado glassware-selling stalls typically handle items produced overseas. However, there is a Mexican glassware tradition, and it is worth seeking out.

Household glassware was unknown to preconquest Mexicans. The first primitive Mexican glassware was produced in Puebla in 1542. From the early 1800's, the Ávalos Family produced fine blown-glass pieces, mainly of decorative items such as animal figurines and flower vases. Blown glass is typically produced in the colors of blue, yellow, amethyst, green, and red. Since red is obtained through a tricky technique using gold salts, red is the most expensive color.