Crystal glassware has always been more than a functional object. It reflects culture, craftsmanship, and the rituals of everyday life. At MU16, every glass carries a story — one that begins with heritage, continues through craftsmanship, and ends in the hands of people around the world.

A Legacy Rooted in Glassmaking

In the early 1990s, China was undergoing a wave of economic reform that reshaped industries across the country. In Qixian, Shanxi, a region historically connected to the ancient Silk Road and known for its glassmaking traditions, a new chapter in crystal craftsmanship began.

For centuries, artisans in Qixian had passed down techniques for producing glass and colored crystal. These skills formed the cultural foundation of the region.

In 1992, inspired by the possibilities of reform and globalization, Xu Liyong, born into a family of glass artisans, decided to revive the craft in his hometown. After studying advanced glass-blowing technologies in Eastern Europe, he returned to China and founded the MU16 factory.

The factory was built near the site of an old Qing Dynasty kiln — symbolizing a bridge between tradition and innovation. Together with a group of experienced craftsmen, Xu combined traditional furnace techniques with modern glass-making equipment to produce crystalware that carried both historical heritage and contemporary design.

Today, the kilns in Qixian still glow — not only powering production lines, but illuminating the future of Chinese craftsmanship.

The Art of Glassmaking

Every MU16 glass is the result of multiple production methods and meticulous craftsmanship.

Hand-Blown Craftsmanship

Hand blowing remains one of the most important techniques in crystal production. Skilled artisans shape molten glass through breath and precise movement, giving each piece subtle variations and character.

Our hand-blown production line can produce approximately 2,000 pieces per day, ensuring both craftsmanship and quality control.

This traditional method allows for:

thinner and more elegant rims
refined shapes and curves
greater artistic expression

Each hand-blown glass reflects the human touch behind its creation.

Precision Machine Blowing

For certain collections, MU16 also employs advanced machine-blowing technology, capable of producing up to 20,000 pieces per day.

This process ensures:

consistent shapes
scalable production
stable quality across large quantities

By combining both manual and automated techniques, MU16 achieves a balance between craftsmanship and efficiency.

Unique Structural & Decorative Design

MU16 glassware often integrates multiple materials and complex structures.

Examples include:

Electroplated zinc alloy bases
Silver-plated metal bases
Metallic mirror-effect glass plating
Special adhesive bonding techniques

These combinations allow designers to explore forms beyond traditional crystal glasses.

Sculptural Stem Design

The stem of a wine glass is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in both balance and aesthetics.

MU16 artisans experiment with unique stem shapes, including:

Hand-pulled multi-strand stems
Single curved stems
Rim designs with multi-faceted edges

These subtle structural details transform a simple glass into a sculptural object.

Resin Injection

Artisans manually inject resin into the base of the glass to create distinctive visual effects. The color of the resin can also be customized, giving each piece a unique identity.

Bubble Injection

Controlled bubble injection allows artisans to place air bubbles inside the glass intentionally.

By adjusting their position, density, and distribution, designers can create floating textures and dynamic visual depth.

Overlay Cutting

This traditional technique involves layering colored glass over clear glass and then hand-carving intricate patterns.

After carving, the glass is carefully polished to create a delicate hollow effect that enhances the contrast between layers.

Etching

Through a process of masking and acid washing, etched patterns appear as soft, translucent designs on the surface of the glass.

The result is a refined texture that feels subtle yet sophisticated.

Temperature-Sensitive Decals

Some designs feature thermochromic decals that change color when exposed to cold temperatures — adding a playful and interactive element to the drinking experience.

Frosted Ice Texture

Using specialized acid-washing techniques, artisans create a unique ice-crystal surface texture that gives the glass a frosted appearance and tactile feel.