MURANO GLASS MYSTERY REVEALED!

Many of my designs are labeled “Murano-inspired” or “Murano style,” and you may be wondering what exactly the term “Murano glass” means. Murano glass is a centuries old style of glass art perfected by Venetian glass artists over thousands of years. At that time, glassmaking was an important craft and the glass produced by these Venetian artists was highly sought after in all of Europe. This particular glass became a major source of trading income for the Republic of Venice.

In the 13th century, however, Venetian officials became concerned that the torches these glass artists used in their craft posed a fire hazard to the many wooden buildings and factories in their city. By official decree, all glass artists were forced to relocate to the small island of Murano in the Adriatic Sea. Interestingly, it has now been suggested that the fire hazards were not the reason these artists were forced to relocate at all, but that it was a stragetic effort on part of the Government of Venice to isolate these master glass artists in order to keep them from sharing their secrets with foreigners.

The actual technique of making Murano glass, which is also called lampworking, involves using torches to melt rods and tubes of clear and colored glass. Once in a molten state, glass designs can be formed by blowing and shaping the molten material with tools and hand movements. Various other materials and colors can be added into the mix, creating unique and beautiful pieces of glass art. Since every piece is created by hand, no two pieces are exactly alike.

Today, this same technique of glassblowing still exists on the island of Murano, although the “secrets” of the trade have long since escaped into the modern world. “Murano style” glass or “Murano-inspired” glass simply refers to glass pieces created by hand, using the same techniques these unique craftsmen perfected so long ago.