The island of Murano is the home of the famous Murano technique of blowing glass for use in elaborate chandelier pieces. Because of its use of open fire, glass making was once considered an extremely dangerous craft and a threat to many villages. In 1291 glass makers of Italy were forced to relocate to one area in order to protect the wood structures of cities such as Venice.
The glass makers swapped trade secrets and quickly established themselves as the elite on the small Murano Island. A few centuries later the daughters of these craftsmen, once thought to be the lowest of the low, were allowed to marry into the aristocracy of Venice.
One of the reasons for the newly elevated social status of Murano glass makers was that they were the only people in all of Europe that knew how to create and cut mirrored glass. Also among their finely honed skills was the ability to make colorized pieces of glass, milk glass, and glass that would rival any true gem in its brilliance.
These days the techniques, once celebrated by the most elite in Europe, are rarely used at full capacity. The glass makers of other regions of Europe began to surpass the quality that once made Murano stand-alone.
Original pieces of Murano glass and chandeliers are worth a great deal. The antique pieces of glass now have a faintly yellow tint and are quite delicate. If you were to visit the island now you would only find necklaces and paperweights to purchase.
November 20th, 2006 by Webmaster
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