We love: Murano glas. Wat is het en waar komt het vandaan?
Perhaps you’ve heard of Murano glass, but what exactly is it?
At Vintage Pareltje, we’re huge fans of it and often have a stunning selection of vintage Murano glass pieces in the shop—our specialty being Murano glass lamps.
A Journey Back in Time: The History of Murano Glass
Murano glass comes in many forms and sizes, including vases, figurines, mirrors, glasses, and lamps. It’s crafted with traditional Italian expertise and named after the small Venetian island of Murano.
In the 10th century, the region around Venice had access to raw materials for glass production, such as sand and soda. Venetian glassmakers, through trade with the Middle East, learned Islamic glassmaking techniques, such as enamelled glass and filigree. These methods influenced the Venetian style.
A Luxury Product
Venice was a city of merchants and nobility, which created a demand for luxury items, including glass. This demand led to the perfection of glassmaking. By the 12th century, Venetian glass products were renowned for their quality and innovation.
Since creating these glass masterpieces required fire and intense heat, fires often broke out in Venice, where most buildings were made of wood. In the 13th century, all glassmakers were moved to the island of Murano, not only to reduce the risk of fires but also to protect their unique creations from being copied.
How is Murano Glass Made?
On Murano, techniques were refined further, and the name we know today was born. Demand for this glassmaking method grew worldwide. The process involves mixing raw materials—silica, soda, and lime—and heating them to around 1,400 degrees Celsius. Minerals are added to create colors in the glass. For example, cobalt produces blue hues, and sulfur creates yellow or amber tones.
Glassmasters blow the molten mixture through a metal pipe and shape it using tools and hand techniques. This must be done quickly and with great precision.
Famous Designers
In the world of interiors, the craft of Murano glass is viewed with an artistic lens. Several designers have specialized in working with Murano glass, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern designs.
Carlo Nason grew up in a family passionate about Murano glass, a passion he inherited. Inspired by modern design, he eventually partnered with the manufacturer Mazzega to release his collection. His designs are known for their sleek, innovative, and functional style.
In contrast to Nason’s minimalist work, Paolo Venini was renowned for his detailed designs featuring vibrant colors, shapes, and textures. His art pieces are exhibited in museums worldwide. He collaborated with designers such as Gio Ponti, Carlo Scarpa, and Fulvio Bianconi. These partnerships resulted in innovative designs that were both functional and sculptural. His works continue to be admired and collected globally.
La Murrina is another brand we love at Vintage Pareltje. Established in 1960, it’s an iconic Italian brand that blends glassblowing artistry with modern design. Known especially for their chandeliers, vases, and art objects, La Murrina employs the traditional Murrine technique: colorful glass patterns layered within the pieces. Their creations are found in luxury interiors, hotels, and yachts worldwide.
Manufacturers
Seguso is the largest glass manufacturer on Murano. The Seguso family has been active in the Murano glass industry for 600 years. Their work often graces luxury hotels and even palaces. Seguso is known not only for their vases and chandeliers but also for their expertise in developing new techniques, such as cordonati glass, featuring decorative knots, and aghiformi, which creates needle-like structures within the glass.
Barovier & Toso is one of the oldest family businesses in the world, founded in 1295. Renowned for their decorative and functional glasswork, they create sophisticated products. Even after 700 years in the industry, they continue to produce innovative designs by collaborating with contemporary designers.
A Visit to Murano—Worth the Trip
In 2022, we visited Murano to explore the place where all these beautiful (vintage) creations are made. A hop-on-hop-off boat makes it easy to travel from mainland Venice to Murano and other islands. On Murano, you can watch a free demonstration where glassmasters showcase their craft. Did you know it can take up to 25 years to become a glassmaster?
We visited the Museo del Vetro—the Museum of Glass Art. It features centuries-old pieces as well as modern exhibits. The building itself is stunning, and the towering chandeliers were absolutely impressive. Of course, we hoped to find a vintage Murano glass lamp, but unfortunately, we didn’t succeed.
Murano is full of shops where you can buy souvenirs or even new lamps. All in all, it’s a fantastic outing if you want to learn more about Murano glass and its history.
