The art of making glass has never been quite as entrenched in a place as in Murano, Venice. Murano glass first made its appearance in the 8th century, and despite various ups and downs, has managed to not only endure but also flourish in our modern times.
Murano glass or vetro di Murano is magic, celebrated and revered all over the world for its beauty, fragility, the skill required in creating it, and last but definitely not the least, its history. Murano glassblowing is almost a religion, and collectors of Murano fully appreciate the time, skill and experience required to create a work of art in glass.
From the Washingtonian Magazine interview to Giovanni:
"In Murano, Italy, "Nason basically means glass," says Giovanni Nason, 72. His family has made and restored fine glass there since 1625.
The family received a title and crest from the doge of Venice to encourage them to stay on the island. But Giovanni fell in love with an American woman. After marrying in 1967, they moved to Washington.
Nason first ran a bath boutique in Rockville. On the side, he began doing glass engraving in Georgetown. He switched to restoration full-time 15 years ago; his firm, Glass and Crystal Restoration Center, is in Potomac.
Mending Treasured China And Crystal Is a Family Tradition
Special to The Washington Post - Thursday, December 5, 2002
Many people look forward to setting holiday tables with crystal, china and ornaments that may get little use other times of the year. But fragile tableware and precious platters and figurines are in particular peril of getting chipped, cracked and broken.
Filigrana a Retortoli was first mentioned in a petition for a patent in October of 1527. Filippo and Bernardo Serena, glassmakers from Murano, explained in their request a new method that employed bands of twisted threads and they hoped for a grace period of twenty-five years to protect their innovation and prevent other glassmakers in Murano and the whole of Venice from employing their techniques.
The raw materials used in Venetian glass during the Renaissance differed slightly from their competing Islamic counterparts. In this subtle difference lies the transcendence of ordinary glass to remarkable art. The base ingredient of glass is Silica. The most common form of Silica used in glass making is sand. While sand has a relatively low melting point when compared to pure silica it also comes instilled with many impurities which can discolor or otherwise defect glass. The production of clear, colorless glass free of defects was difficult and as a result such pieces were highly sought after.
"The best glass that is made in our time and that which is of greater beauty, more varied coloring, and more admirable skill than that of any other place is made at Murano. In addition to coloring them all possible tints, they also make them very clear and transparent like true and natural crystal, and ornament them with painting and other very fine enamels. Thus it seems to me that all the metals must give way to glass in beauty. Look at the rosaries, the salt cellars, and the drinking vessels in which one actually sees twisted designs of thorn branches.
The Art Of Italian Glasswork - Past, Present, And Future
The Roman Empire introduced glassmaking in the form of vases, vessels, and bottles to the continent of Europe over 2000 years ago. The fall of the Roman Empire led to a brief decline in glassmaking, but the city of Venice soon reestablished itself as an international trading center, which attracted glasswork artisans from many areas east of Europe. The first archeological evidence of glassmaking in the area was found on the island of Torcello and dates to the 7th century. Historical documentation of the Italian glassmakers can be found as far back as the 10th century, securely placing Venice as the hub of glass artistry for the European continent.
The origins of glassmaking in the area of the Venetian lagoon date very far back in history, with the first reliable reports of activity placing this art form in the 8th century. However, many centuries had to pass before the artisans of the area embarked into what would be the beginning a fully fledged and unique production of decorative glass, evolving over time to reach world-renown fame. The initial incentive to this production mirrored to a great extent the growth of the Republic of Venice as a trading center and its extensive contacts with territories and cultures bordering on the Mediterranean, where glass making traditions were already well established.
Murano Glass Vases - Even Prettier Than the Flowers They Showcase
I love to have fresh flowers in my home. They're just a fantastic addition to any décor. To me, there's nothing better than showcasing the fruits of Mother Nature in Murano glass vases. In many cases they're even pretty than the flowers they hold. Well - almost.
In this article, we'll look at some fantastic vases made of Murano glass. They're elegant. They're beautiful; and, well, you just check them out.
These three hand-blown Murano glass angels make a perfect gift. They come in silver, emerald and ruby red. I love the gold-foil accents. Each of these angels is approximately 6 inches tall. I love the details on the wings and the full, golden halos. These make a perfect gift for the holidays. They're exquisite and delicate, a true treasure to behold.
Note: I've seen the angels in other gem-inspired colors like amethyst and sapphire too so you can mix and match if you so choose!
I'm strange. I enjoy a beautiful table setting almost as much as I enjoy eating a fantastic meal. Dishes should be elegant. They should be sophisticated. As you can guess, there are no paper plates for me. Murano dinnerware is among the world's best, of course. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the finest dishes and table items that Italy's artisans have to offer.
By now, I'm sure you realize that I love to collect things. Beautiful things. Exquisite things. Stylish things. Italian things. I am not a smoker. Both of my parents are and a few of my siblings engage in the habit. Personally, I think it's a nasty little habit; but, I do love ashtrays. Oh yes! Ash trays can campy. They can be kitschy; but, they can also be very collectible. Murano glass ashtrays are among the most beautiful ashtrays in the world. In this article, we'll take a look at a few that you may want to add to your collection today.
This white glass chandelier with decoration in green and 24-carat gold trim is a visual wonder. It's hand-forged and glass-blown, of course. The chandelier can hold six lights. However, you could also find the piece made for 3, 5 or 8 lights if you so desire. It measures about 30 inches tall and 26 inches wide. I envision this in a sumptuous dining room or even a gala ball room in an elegant home.
Murano glass is world-renowned. It's elegant, sophisticated and extremely beautiful. Usually, when you think of Murano glass pieces, jewelry doesn't spring to mind. Chandeliers and wine goblets, perhaps - but not jewelry. By the time you are through reading this article, I hope to show you just how gorgeous Murano jewelry can be. Here are some pieces that I think would make a fantastic addition to any collection.
The D'Este Murano glass factory was established in 1965 by a man from the island of Murano. He operated the company until 1995 when the activity was passed on to his sons. D'Este has always been a family enterprise. Presently, there are 6 master artisans working in this company. D'Este production is basically artistic and decorative. All items are completely hand made: Reticello, Zanfirico, Murrina and Golden Leaves (all these are very ancient different ways of working the glass).
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These three hand-blown Murano glass angels make a perfect gift. They come in silver, emerald and ruby red. I love the gold-foil accents. Each of these angels is approximately 6 inches tall. I love the details on the wings and the full, golden halos. These make a perfect gift for the holidays. They're exquisite and delicate, a true treasure to behold..jpg)
This white glass chandelier with decoration in green and 24-carat gold trim is a visual wonder. It's hand-forged and glass-blown, of course. The chandelier can hold six lights. However, you could also find the piece made for 3, 5 or 8 lights if you so desire. It measures about 30 inches tall and 26 inches wide. I envision this in a sumptuous dining room or even a gala ball room in an elegant home..jpg)
Usually, when you think of Murano glass pieces, jewelry doesn't spring to mind. Chandeliers and wine goblets, perhaps - but not jewelry. By the time you are through reading this article, I hope to show you just how gorgeous Murano jewelry can be. Here are some pieces that I think would make a fantastic addition to any collection.
