The tools that the master glassmakers use to manipulate the glowing glass have not changed for centuries. They first collect the mass of molten glass in the melting crucible using a glass cane about 4.9 ft (1.5 m) long before blowing it and working it on a cast iron plate called a marble. There, the glassmakers form a hollow sphere from which they will shape the desired object with the possible help of various molds.