Final answer:
The quality and craftsmanship of early blown glass in Italy and Western Europe differed significantly from those in the Eastern Mediterranean, with evidence showing the prominence of Islamic glass and the influence of artistic exchanges through trade routes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quality of early blown glass excavated in Italy and Western Europe in comparison to those from the Eastern Mediterranean shows remarkable differences. The luxury glass industry experienced a shift after the 12th century from Persia and Mesopotamia to Egypt and Syria. During the 8th to early 11th centuries, decorative techniques were prioritized, as evidenced by manipulating glass surfaces and the use of lustre painting. Conversely, in Europe, massive, sophisticated Hedwig glasses suggest that complex glass-making techniques were also being developed.
The Islamic glass of the Middle Ages was renowned for its sophistication and widespread export to both Europe and China, carrying forward the traditions of Sassanian and Roman glass-making. Artistic exchanges along trade routes enriched the diversity and technological advancements in the craft, as seen in objects like The Luck of Edenhall. Similarly, the influence of Chinese ceramics on Islamic pottery indicates how artistic ideas traveled, leading to the creation of coveted Islamic pottery in Europe.