Where Beauty Meets and Tradition: A Complete Guide to Murano Glass
Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Everyone knows it for its romantic atmosphere, the canals, the gondolas, the carnival, and the architecture.
But there’s one thing the city is famous for and very proud of, Murano glass. Have you ever heard of it?
It is highly regarded and loved by many, and I think you’ll like it too, so I’ll explain a little about the magic and history of it.
What Is Murano Glass?
It is an art passed from generation to generation since the 13th century and is still handmade with the same techniques used then.
The artists made mind-blowing pieces one by one with fatigue and precision at the Murano furnaces by glass masters.
Being a handmade glass, every piece is unique and never the same. It perfectly captures the elegance and timelessness of the city, and, like Venice, every part is an outstanding work of art and perfect in its imperfection.
History Behind The Creation Of Murano Glass
Why is it not called Venetian glass? Murano glass takes its name from the tiny island where it is made, which is part of a network of tiny islands in the Venice lagoon.
Originally the glass was made all over the city, but because of several fires caused by glass masters.
In 1292 all the furnaces were moved to Murano, and since then, the famous glass has been exclusively made on this island.
Tourists can visit the island and learn more about the glass blowing process and heritage at the Murano Glass Museum.
Behind each glass piece, there is eight hundred years old tradition and techniques the masters have learned and taught for all this time, preserving the authenticity of the work perfected by their ancestors.
However, while the glass-blowing process hasn’t changed for centuries, the design aspect of the glassware is certainly not stuck in the past. Mixing tradition and innovation, the masters give birth to timeless creations.
The Amazing Beauty Of Murano Glass
Indeed, it is loved by interior designers not just for its incredible beauty but also for its timelessness.
It is perfect for interior decor because it can never go out of style as it goes beyond trends and different interior styles. Every house would be better with a Murano glass piece inside, and there’s an ft with any type of interior style.
Of course, this glassware is handmade and traditional, but most importantly, it’s breathtakingly beautiful. First, let’s talk about the colors.
They are bright, vivid and can create amazing shapes inside the glass. Masters achieve these rich colors by adding different minerals into the mix.
The process of making Murano Glass
Traditionally, glassmakers used to add gold and silver specks to the glass, making the piece even more luxurious. This gives any object a glowing effect, as the specks reflect the light and can brighten up the room.
But what object are we talking about? Virtually anything decorative. However, traditionally, Murano pieces are vases, perfect for brightening a living room; you can use them for flowers or, as they are, centerpieces for your dining room.
The decorative bowls or plates will give any table character, elegant glassware, sculptures, such as one of the animals, aquariums, abstract figures, etc. More eccentric pieces are goblets, mirrors, jewelry, lamps, and more.
The Process To Identify The Murano Glass
The legacy of Murano Glass is facing a threat due to the rise of imitation glasses. It might seem very convincing until you realize it’s fake!
The estimation says forged glasses comprise 40 percent of the market and above. Now, you must become a specialist to identify Murano glass. In this section, I will help you with a few tips that can help you choose it without any issues. Check out the following tips:
Look For the Imperfections
Murano glasses are handmade. So, it is obvious that there will be imperfections. It can be an air bubble or the pontil mark on the base.
These imperfections can help you identify whether it is an original glass or a counterfeit one.
Check For an Authenticated Signature
The original glasses always have the signature of the master glassmaker or a verification sticker on them. Try to look for the writing on the glass saying “Vetri Murano, Venice Glass.” This will help you determine whether the glass is fake or real.
Check For Location
Before you buy it, always look for its origin. If it says made in Murano, Italy, then that’s the original one.
Is There Any Traditional Design on It?
The original Murano Glass features some traditional designs such as Sommerso, Fenicio, Bullicante, or Millefieri.
The Quality of the Glass
Unlike counterfeit glasses, the glassmakers use 24-carat gold, silver leaf, alexandrite, or agate to create and design the glasses.
Murano Glass Is A Compliment For Your Interior
The majority prefer Muranon glass for their interior decor because it can complement the house without standing out too much, but at the same time, it’s a unique artwork.
If you own a Murano glass piece, you know no one else has the same; every work is imperfect, and that’s the charm of a handmade creation.
Moreover, if you buy Murano glass, you are sure that the quality is as good as it gets. Everyone recognizes Made in Italy as a trademark for premium quality, and every glass product is not only Made in Italy but also certified Made in Murano.
Imagine spending a small fortune to buy counterfeit products. In that case, you must know every Murano glass piece has a trademark. This certifies that it was made on the island of Murano at a furnace that follows the traditional glass-blowing process.
Authentic shops show this certificate, and you can also buy authentic Murano glass online from certified retailers such as YourMurano.com.
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