In medieval Venice, where canals meandered between sumptuous palaces, a secret was jealously guarded: the art of glass. The master glassmakers, skilled craftsmen, transformed sand, soda and lime into objects of extraordinary beauty, from the most delicate chalices to the most glittering chandeliers.
But the fame of Venetian glass grew out of all proportion and with it the risk of fires that could have devastated the city. Thus, in 1291, the Serenissima Republic decided to move all the furnaces to Murano, a small island in the lagoon.
In Murano, the master glassmakers continued to perfect their art, experimenting with new techniques and creating increasingly refined objects. Thus was born Murano glass, a symbol of luxury and prestige, appreciated throughout Europe by royal courts and nobles.
An art handed down from generation to generation
Glassmaking in Murano became a secret art, handed down from father to son. The glass masters jealously guarded their secrets, fearing that they could be stolen by competitors. Each family had its own recipes and techniques, and each object was a unique piece, handmade.
Over the centuries, Murano glass has evolved, adapting to the tastes and fashions of each era. Objects of all kinds were created: vases, glasses, mirrors, chandeliers, but also jewelry and sculptures. Each piece was a work of art, a symbol of elegance and refinement.
Today, Murano glass is still one of the excellences of Made in Italy
Despite the difficulties encountered over the centuries, the art of Murano glass has survived to the present day. Today, glass masters continue to create unique and precious objects, using the same traditional techniques. Murano glass is an excellence of Made in Italy, appreciated throughout the world by collectors and lovers of beauty.
Some curiosities:
The “secret” of Millefiori: One of the most fascinating and complex techniques of Murano glass is the creation of Millefiori. Small canes of colored glass are fused together to create intricate and floral patterns. This technique was so secret that the master glassmakers kept it hidden even from their own families.
Lattimo glass: a precious white: In the 15th century, Murano glassmakers invented lattimo glass, an opaque white glass that imitated porcelain. This material was highly appreciated by European courts and was used to create objects of great value.
The “segregated” of Murano: To protect the secrets of their art, Murano glassmakers were forced to live on the island and could not leave Murano without special permission. It was said that they were kept under surveillance by spies to prevent them from revealing their secrets.
© Marcadoc Editorial Team | 24/09/2024
