The instrument, crafted by Japanese glass manufacturer Hario, has been recognised as ‘the first playable glass violin’ twelve years after its invention
A violin made entirely of glass by Japanese glass manufacturing company Hario has been recognised by the Guinness World Records as ‘the first playable glass violin’.
Hario, which has specialised in heatproof glass manufacturing for over 60 years and is known for its products such as coffee siphons and tableware, describes the violin as a ’revolutionary fusion of glass craftsmanship and music,’ with the aim to redefine traditional perceptions of musical instruments.
The glass violin was originally crafted in 2003, however only received its Guinness World Record accolade on 19 March 2025 and was verified by official adjudicator, Justin Patterson.
The body of the glass violin was shaped using traditional hand-blown glass techniques. Typically, hand-blown glass is formed into simple spherical shapes, making it extremely challenging to replicate the intricate curves and delicate details of a violin.
To ensure both the instrument’s visuals and playability, Hario artisans had to thin and evenly distribute the glass thickness by hand - a level of precision and craftsmanship that machines cannot achieve.
The glass violin weighs 1,300g (approx. 3lb) - about 600g (approx. 1.32lb) heavier than a standard violin. According to the manufacturers, the timbre of the glass instrument is a cross between kokyū (a Japanese traditional stringed instrument) and a violin, and becomes more resonant as it reaches higher registers.
To celebrate the Guinness World Record achievement, Hario is offering one glass violin for sale at 5.5 million yen (£29,000).
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