Tag: glass

Venetian Glass

History of Murano

The origins
The origins of glassmaking in Venice to the days of Empire when the Roman glass block was used for lighting in the sauna. Combining experience in Rome with the skills of the Byzantine Empire and trade with the Orient, Venice emerges as a important glassmaking center as early as the eighth century. One of the first furnaces for glass in an island of Venice, dating from the eighth century, was discovered by archaeologists in 1960.

In the late 1200s, the industry's target production of the highest quality of glass was the main city as confirmed by the establishment Guild glass down rules and regulations for artisans. The aim of the guild was to safeguard the secrets of the trade and ensure the profitability of the industry. Under these objectives, a law in 1271 banned the importation of glass or abroad in the use of exterior glass.

Even more radical was approved in 1291 that laid the groundwork for the establishment of Murano, the first center of glassmaking. This law requires all furnaces used for glass manufacturing moved Venice to Murano, to avoid the risk of spread of fire in the ovens greatly overcrowded wooden structures Venice. Many historians agree that the reason actual law was to isolate the glass artisans a place that would not be able to disclose trade secrets. A subsequent law passed in 1295 prohibits the glass manufacturers to leave the city confirms this theory.

Trade in glass artisans have been well rewarded for their efforts. They had a social position privileged, and his daughters were allowed to marry in the richest and noblest families of Venice. Through the intelligent application of this approach, the Venetian government to ensure that the glass manufacturers were encouraged their children to practice the trade, and trade secrets are kept within the family fed and creative process that leads to innovation and new success. This, along with Venice is located at the crossroads of trade between East and West, Venice was the monopoly power the manufacture and sale of quality glass throughout Europe that lasted centuries.

ages 16 and 15 and the full development of glassmaking
Venetian glass reaches the peak of its popularity in the 15th and 16th centuries. In the 15th century master Angelo Barovier discovered the method for producing glass transparent – (Cristallo) – Murano Glass allows producers to become the only mirrors in Europe. In addition, the popularity of Chinese porcelain, between European nobility-driven discovery and production of porcelain in imitation of white glass (lattimo).

Other types of glass have become in popular areas such as glass and glazing techniques gold, which originated in the Middle East, filigree glass that makes use of glass rods with son-white interiors, gold or colored glass that are bent or folded, and the ice crystal which is finely crackled. Variety of shapes and colors has increased, and the glass has become more beauty always considered sophisticated simplicity of forms and ornaments.

From the 17th century and the slow decline of Venetian glass
Since the 17th century, Murano glass entered the period of gradual decrease. As PTO Venice in trade routes and its importance as a major center of commerce have begun to disappear, despite its monopoly power in the manufacture of glass. Crafts New Homes in Bohemia, England and France. However, the 17th century saw a major innovation Murano glass that new techniques have continued to emerge, driven by a strong tendency baroque spread across the European architecture, painting, decoration domestic and other forms of art and crafts.

Bright colors, ornamental glass with intricate patterns of flowers and animals has become popular. The new techniques of glass including Avventurina (metallic specks embedded in the glass of a shiny look) and Chalcedon (illusion of semi-precious stone), raised decorations on glass beads and millefiori. These new techniques have been so successful that even the royal courts ordered Murano glass artisans. One example is King Frederick IV of Denmark in the 17th century bought a collection of glass that is currently on display at the Rosenborg Palace in Copenhagen.

And19th 18th centuries – The fall and rise
In the 18th century, the decline continued and was aggravated by the deteriorating political situation and increasing competition glassmakers of Bohemia and France. Introduced some new techniques such as engraving on glass and mirrors, but they make visible impact. The industry was drastically reduced Napoleon conquered Venice in 1797 and abolition of all guilds in Venice, including glass.

In 1814, Venice transfer to France in the Habsburg Empire spelled the ultimate punishment of glassware from Murano glass center Habsburgs preferred their native Bohemia and the laws passed making it too Murano first expensive materials needed and export the final product. Consequently, almost half of the 24 kilns that existed in Murano in 1800, closed in 1820, and only 5 furnace for glass production. However, against all odds, the industry did not die at all? it has been kept alive thanks to the dedication of the craftsmen for his personal involvement and hard work that his father had secular made a world famous Murano glass.

The breakthrough came in 1854 when six brothers Fratelli Toso Toso opened the company initially produced household glassware and glass, but then switched technology to revive the forgotten past. Five years later, Antonio Salviati came from Vicenza to Venice, where he exercised the right to open a factory dedicated to producing traditional Murano glass. He saw an opportunity to revive the art in the production of tiles that could be used to restore old Venetian mosaics, and hired the best teachers to work in his factory Murano. One of his glass blowers, Lorenzo Radi, spent considerable time during the Austrian domination rediscover old methods and techniques used to create mosaics of the ancient Venetian.

Salviati plan worked, and soon the Venetian authorities signed a contract for fifteen years with his company Restoration of the mosaics in the basilica of St. Mark s'. At the same time, in 1861, Mayor Antonio Colleoni in Venice and Abbot Vincenzo Zanetti decided to compile an archive dedicated to the history of Venice not only contains various writings and works of art produced in the city. A collection of objects for the files created a renewed interest in the history of Venice, its past glory, and crafts, including the most important glass factories. This in turn prompted the authorities to establish a school for the glaziers, where they could learn the forgotten techniques and trade secrets.

The culmination of the renovation of the exhibition Murano blown glass was created in 1864 by the Archives to view all past and manufactures revive the spirit of competition among artisans. Following exposure have been other international exhibitions, such as the highly successful Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1867 where Salviati exhibited over 500 works of his company and has received international recognition and several medals. The success and advertising to complete the recovery of Murano, which is again a booming economic center, which employs 3,500 people in 1869, and a popular destination.

Twentieth century glass – New identity and the art of Murano
In the early 20th century, Murano glassmakers were still in love with classical music playing and the rediscovery of old techniques, it became clear Selection in Murano and Venice Exhibition of glass and glassware scene in 1895 in the city of Murano. The rules dictated that the exhibition presents works reproductions antique glass objects. This important event was the presence of international collectors and fans who have enjoyed glass works rooted in the unique tradition Murano.

The best works of artists of Murano has been exposed, many have been the product of a glassmaking technique called Murrina large (Mosaic), which was rediscovered in the 19th century by Vittorio Zuffi while working for Fratelli Toso. This technique has emerged in the 16th century in an effort to imitate ancient vases Romans. Artisti Barovier Murano famous brand received the diploma of honor and gold medal. Other performers enjoy a popularity in the moment Murano Salviati, Testolin, and brothers Toso (Fratelli Toso).

The year 1895 was also the time of the first exhibition of the Venice Biennale, new avant-garde art and Art Nouveau arose. This highlights the gap between modern trends gaining strength in Europe at the time and the work of the artisans of Murano are deeply linked to the styles and methods of the past. This difference became even more evident in the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1900, followed by exhibitions of Arts Decorative in Turin in 1902 and Milan in 1906. Some artisans of Murano, as Vittorio Toso Borella, becomes receptive to the new winds blowing in the art world and began to produce works of art in nouveaustyle. Well he had initially received mixed reviews for the work he exhibited at Ca 'Pesaro in 1909, continued to produce work Vittorio teachers who later became very popular. Ca 'Pesaro, contrary to the Venice Biennale, an exhibition now embracing new artistic trends and presentation of many works in the style vouveau art by young artists like Gino Rossi and Arturo Martini Marussig Guido. One of the artists, Vittorio Zecchin, has largely contributed Artisti Barovier to create models for famous glass factory.

In the 1920s, the Art Nouveau Just recently replaced by styles modern with simpler, cleaner and more functional design. Art Deco took the stage and with less objects decorated with softer lines and put more emphasis glassware in the interior, not a work of art itself. A new company, Capellini Muranese Soffiati Vetri Venini, founded in 1921 with his boss Vittorio Zecchin design has become the champion of this style.

A little later, in late 1920 to 1930, another important trend facing Murano Maestri led Vetrai Muranese Capellini & Co. and Vetreria Artistica Barovier. Trend animals was glass, which remains popular today. Other important innovations defended in the 1930s and continued from the 1940s have been the production of statues of female nudes and classic glass figures of the boxers and the gods, glass engraving, accessories updated perfectly proportioned clear glass plates, and the invention of Sommerso vetro? a technique to produce glass with an exterior color thick and one inside.

During the Second World War the industry does not develop, but once the war ended Murano glassmakers returned to his art and has created pieces deeply rooted in interior design trends of the time an emphasis on minimalism, functionality and simplicity. To support artists and craftsmen of these trends back to last Murano techniques, such as watermark, and murrine lattimo. From this point of Murano has been an exploration of styles techniques and trying to find a balance between technical mastery and contour, color and decoration.

The result of continuous innovation has led to an increase in popularity and several prizes in various international art exhibitions. Thanks to these outstanding artists like Archimede Seguso, Louis and Laura de Santillana, Tobia Scarpa, Ercole Barovier, Fulvio Bianconi, Toni Romano Zuccheri Chrivi, Giampaolo Martinuzzi, and Alfredo Barbini Murano is better known as the capital of the world of glass blowing. Murano art now established trends, as opposed to follow in recent years.

For more information about the Murano glass or to find a product out: GlassOfVenice http://www.GlassOfVenice.com

About the Author

About the Author:Hand-crafted Murano Glass Jewelry and artwork imported directly from Venice, Italy. We offer Murano Glass jewelry, accessories, vases, pendants, necklaces, rings, art glass, chandeliers and much more. Visit http://www.glassofvenice.com

Amazing Venetian Glass Sculpture

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