In a revolutionary fusion of art and science, Japanese glass manufacturer HARIO Co., Ltd. has created the first-ever playable glass violin, a masterpiece of craftsmanship that has officially been recognized by Guinness World Records. The instrument, which took over 60 years of expertise to perfect, marks a new chapter in both musical and material innovation.

Named the Hirom Glass Violin, the instrument was meticulously crafted from a single piece of sturdy, heat-resistant borosilicate glass using traditional hand-blowing techniques. While the violin was originally completed in 2003, it received its official world record certification on March 19, 2025, as “the first playable glass violin.”

Creating the intricate curves and delicate details of the violin’s body was a monumental challenge. Unlike typical glass-blowing, which often results in spherical shapes, HARIO’s artisans had to painstakingly thin and evenly distribute the glass thickness by hand to ensure the instrument was not just visually stunning but also musically resonant. The finished product weighs approximately 1,300 grams (about 600 grams more than a traditional wooden violin).

According to its creators, the unique instrument produces a sound that is a cross between a traditional violin and a kokyū, a Japanese stringed instrument. Its tone is said to become particularly resonant and ethereal at higher registers. The project was conceived as a way to inspire younger generations to take an interest in the art of glass-blowing, proving that with passion and expertise, the seemingly impossible can be achieved.

To commemorate the Guinness World Records achievement, HARIO has made one of these unique violins available for a price of 5.5 million yen (approximately $36,000 USD).