Murano glass, was originally produced in Murano, an island located in Venice, in Italy. From the 10th century, the glassmakers of Murano have been famous for their work. The glassmakers have since then settled in many different areas and countries but it is believed that the authentic glass of Murano is produced in Murano only.
Origin of Murano Glass
Art of glassmaking in Murano originally started in Rome in the 9th century. It had Muslim and Asian influence on the art. In 1291, the glassmakers became famous after they moved the foundries to the city of Murano. Murano glass started getting exported. By the 16th century, most of the citizens on the island of Murano were involved in one way or the other in glassmaking. In 1950s and 1960s Murano glass was produced for export and tourists in great quantity.
The glassmakers became very affluent, though they did not have the permission to depart from the country, some of them moved out to other countries and settled as far as Netherlands.
Types of Murano glass
Murano glassis made by special technology, over the years it has been refined and developed, some of them are-
Murano glass today
Murano glassis used for many purposes; it is used to make jewelry, glass figurines, contemporary glass art, chandeliers, wine stoppers and stemware. The historical factories are still known for their products today some of the brands which became very famous and are still famous are,
Techniques
Most of the Murano glassis made by the technique called the lampworking. Glass is made of silica. Silica when heated at very high temperature turns into its liquid form, it is again allowed to solidify, while passing from liquid to solid form, there is a period of time when the glass has very soft form but not completely solid, at this time the glassmakers shape it in any form they want.
Some specific techniques are used to make different types of glasses .some of them are-
Materials
In addition to silica the other material used in glassmaking is flux. Flux is also called the melting agent. The importance of flux or sodium oxide is that it becomes soft at a lower temperature and it solidifies slower, thus the interval of time when the glass needs to be shaped is longer and helps the glassmaker to use that time in shaping.
The other materials used in glassmaking are sodium, which makes the surface of the glass opaque. Nitrate is used to eliminate bubble, to give color to the glass and also in making surface opaque. Arsenic is also used for the same three purposes.
Colors
Different colors of glass are made by adding different minerals or raw materials in the silica. For example, cobalt and copper compounds are used for making aquamarine glass. Solution of gold is used to make glass ruby red.
Origin of Murano Glass
Art of glassmaking in Murano originally started in Rome in the 9th century. It had Muslim and Asian influence on the art. In 1291, the glassmakers became famous after they moved the foundries to the city of Murano. Murano glass started getting exported. By the 16th century, most of the citizens on the island of Murano were involved in one way or the other in glassmaking. In 1950s and 1960s Murano glass was produced for export and tourists in great quantity.
The glassmakers became very affluent, though they did not have the permission to depart from the country, some of them moved out to other countries and settled as far as Netherlands.
Types of Murano glass
Murano glassis made by special technology, over the years it has been refined and developed, some of them are-
- Crystalline glass.
- Enameled glass, made by the smalto technology.
- Gold thread glass, made by aventurine.
- Multicolored glass, made by millefiori.
- Glass milk, made by lattimo.
- Imitation gemstones
- Sunken glass.
Murano glass today
Murano glassis used for many purposes; it is used to make jewelry, glass figurines, contemporary glass art, chandeliers, wine stoppers and stemware. The historical factories are still known for their products today some of the brands which became very famous and are still famous are,
- Venini
- Pauly
- Barovier &Toso
- Salviati
- Seguso
- Formia International.
- Antica Vetreria Fratelli Toso
Techniques
Most of the Murano glassis made by the technique called the lampworking. Glass is made of silica. Silica when heated at very high temperature turns into its liquid form, it is again allowed to solidify, while passing from liquid to solid form, there is a period of time when the glass has very soft form but not completely solid, at this time the glassmakers shape it in any form they want.
Some specific techniques are used to make different types of glasses .some of them are-
- Murrine technique
- Millefiori
- Filigree
- Glass engraving
- Gold engraving
- Incalmo
- Lattimo
- Painted enamel
- Ribbed glass
- Submersion.
Materials
In addition to silica the other material used in glassmaking is flux. Flux is also called the melting agent. The importance of flux or sodium oxide is that it becomes soft at a lower temperature and it solidifies slower, thus the interval of time when the glass needs to be shaped is longer and helps the glassmaker to use that time in shaping.
The other materials used in glassmaking are sodium, which makes the surface of the glass opaque. Nitrate is used to eliminate bubble, to give color to the glass and also in making surface opaque. Arsenic is also used for the same three purposes.
Colors
Different colors of glass are made by adding different minerals or raw materials in the silica. For example, cobalt and copper compounds are used for making aquamarine glass. Solution of gold is used to make glass ruby red.