No one knows precisely when or where glass was first produced. Glass seems to have been manufactured as far back as the second millennium B.C. by the Egyptians and perhaps the Phoenicians. The Bible, compares glass to gold. Today, glass is a common necessity. It is also the basis of an art form. It has special flexibility and changes its qualities under different temperatures. It is a medium for artists. Guan Donghai, known as a glass artist, not only sculptures the fragile material into beautiful shapes and colors, but also endows it with new meaning.

It's hard to recognize the common characteristics of glass, "glittery", "transparent", and "fragile" while facing the works of Guan Donghai. The pieces look more like bronze, pottery, marble,and fossils. They exude an enduring toughness.

Guan Donghai said, "I've been seeking a feel of grandeur, aestheticism and civility. I found these elements in ancient China's bronze vessels and architecture. These are part of the unique beauty of China. But I don't imitate traditional aesthetics. I reinterpret them in my own way. Glass is a fictile material. It can be changed into different shapes. So I was thinking how can it be sculpted to express the concept of power.I try to make glass that looks heavy and opaque. I also patch transparent and opaque glasses together. I even combine glass with other materials, like bronze, stone and wood. Thus the diversity of glass artwork can be realized."

The emblems of Chinese culture and history are apparent in Guan's glass pieces. He's only been working in the field for eight years but he's established a style of his own. He's created two glass series, "Gates" and "Weapon". The works have earned him an international reputation.

Guan also said, "The human head figures as the remarkable part of most of my works. The look is typically Chinese. It doesn't represent ancient people. I use it to express a modern idea. In ancient China, rulers cut off the heads of criminals -- stuffed the in cages and hung them on gateways. I am trying to adapt that Draconian rule of ancient times, to the discussion of how today's people can open their minds. I've just borrowed the system of punishment from ancient China to explain my thinking about today's social problems."

Guan didn't find his lifetime interest right at the beginning. He took a detour into dyeing and weaving and watercolor painting. In 2000 he was named director of the newly established glass art studio, of the Tsinghua University's Academy of Arts and Design. The program was the first specialty in glass art at a Chinese university. His appointment opened a new horizon.

A year's study at the University of Wolverhampton,in the UK helped seal his determination to make glass his life's pursuit. It was there he discovered the true mystery and fascination of the art.

Guan said, "I can see what a glass piece will look like before I make it. Sometimes the completed work is totally out of expectation. Sometimes it's even better than the way I had visualized it. Glass making is a breathtaking and exciting experience. You may discover a new technique accidentally.To me it is the most valuable and encouraging thing."

We are fortunate to have filmed their first ever stained glass session. The art form made its entrances as great churches began appearing approximately in the 10th Century.

As a tutor to the glass majors, Guan's responsibility is to introduce various glass making techniques. There's skill at blowing and kiln casting. He says the facility is lucky to have sponsorship and support from Tsinghua University. Large amounts of the world's most advanced glass making equipment has been installed in the studio. The studio is just a beginning to establish education in glass art in China. Guan has a much bigger plan.

Guan said, "It's rare to see Chinese glass artists on the international scene. So the overseas glass critics and collectors have strong interest in Chinese glass art. A Chinese glass artist who has ingenious creativity and the sense of his nationality will be warmly welcomed. It is exactly the pursuit in my career. Meanwhile I want to bring up a group of young talented artists, like my students. They are innovative and they keep polishing their works to maturity. I would like to promote them as a team and arrange exhibitions for them abroad. Then the international glass art community will really see the development of contemporary Chinese glass art."

Spending most of his time in the studio with students, Guan Donghai barely has time to focus on his own work. He says he has been dreaming up new glass art series and will never stop trying new ideas.

Apparently he has transferred his concept of power to his followers. The earnest efforts of the young artists, promise a glittering future for Chinese glass art.