Murano Art

August 17th, 2008 admin Leave a comment Go to comments

Murano Art

The Secret Of Murano Glass Pendants

Murano glass pendant is a result of many years of history, design, and glass-making tradition. To fully understand the artistry and craftsmanship which goes into making one, it is imperative that you understand as much as possible about the history of Murano glass. It begins with the process of glass making in Venice, back when the Roman Empire thrived. At that time, glass was molded and used to light up the ancient bath houses. The glass makers in Venice blended Roman experience with skills that were gleaned from glass makers of the Byzantine Empire, and through trades made with the Orient. As a result, Venice soon became the clear forerunner in the art of making and manufacturing glass. Its prominence was clearly recognized by the eighth century, if not sooner.

In the latter part of the thirteenth century, the Glassmakers Guild had been established. The guild was responsible for laying out the rules and the regulations by which its craftsmen had to work. The guild was created to help keep the secrets of the glass making trade safe, as well as to make sure that the industry remained profitable. This also led to a law put into place in 1271, banning any foreign glass from being imported. Foreign glass makers were prohibited from being employed as well. All of this led in turn to a prestigious industry, the results of which we can see today in the beauty of Murano glass pendant.

The focal point in the history of Murano glass happened in 1291. That year another law got passed, stating that all of the furnaces which were used for making glass had to be transported to Murano from Venice. This law was likely designed to reduce the risk of fire from the glass making furnaces, as at the time Venice had lots of wooden structures and was overpopulated. However, many historians argue that its real goal was to isolate the glassmakers from the hustle and bustle of the port city of Venice so as to better safeguard the secrets of the craft. Confirming that argument, in 1295 an additional law was passed, this one stating that glass makers were forbidden from leaving Murano.

This well protected glass industry continued to thrive until the seventeenth century, at which point it began to undergo a slow decline. Political climate changed, Venetian Republic fell, and many new glass making centers emerged making it hard for Murano to compete. However, the passion and dedication of the artisans to their craft and family traditions prevented Murano glass art from dying. Although it downsized significantly in the eighteenth century, the industry continued to exist and was eventually revived in the nineteenth century thanks to six Toso brothers and a man named Antonio Salviati. In 1854 the Toso Brothers opened the firm Fratelli Toso that initially produced household glass items and window panes but then switched to reviving forgotten techniques of the past. Five years later, Antonio Salviati came to Venice from Vicenza where he practiced law to open a factory dedicated to production of traditional Murano glass.

A love of classical styles, prestige of custom-made products, and appreciation of traditional techniques have since ensured the enduring success of Murano glass, and led to the creation of the gorgeous Murano glass pendants that so many people are enamored with today. The artistic skill, passion and dedication which go into making every pendant manifest themselves through the unique designs, colors and quality, causing the legendary Murano glass pendant to be one of the most sought after pieces of jewelry in the world.

Quoizel Salamander Murano Art Glass part 2