It may not surprise you, but Murano glass is glass from Murano. The glass is extremely beautiful and is only made by a few more skilled artists. The glass is so popular that it is widely made and sold under the stamp of ‘real’. To recognize real Murano glass you need: 2 good eyes and a little background knowledge. In this article we will take you through the history of this type of glass, which types there are, how to recognize it and which chandeliers we offer on our website made of this glass.

 

A brief history

Murano glass, or the glass from Murano. Murano is located in the Venice Lagoon, about 1.5 kilometers north of Venice. Why specifically this island near Venice? In 1291 all glassblowers from Venice were summoned to leave for Murano. On the one hand, this had to do with the fire risk that existed in Murano. On the other hand, this move to this island should better safeguard the secrets of glassblowing. The passing on or leaking of the secrets of art was not exactly supported; this was punishable by death. Ultimately, that’s how Murano became famous for its glassware of beauty and color.

 

Types of Murano glass

There are several types to define:

  • Avventurina: this type of glass has a glittery appearance.
  • Conteria (rocailles): consists of fine, hollow glass tubes of colored glass.
  • Cristallo (ofwel cotizzo): 100% pure and transparent glass.
  • Fenicio: a feather-like motif on a glass object.
  • Filigrana: method in which the glass is melted and then “blown” into a bubble, after which the final shape is made.
  • Glasplaat: a plate of glass consisting of different types of loose materials such as small pieces of differently colored glass and gold and silver foil.
  • Goud en zilver folie: glass consisting of thin sheets of gold or silver.
  • Incalmo: Two different colored blown objects are put together and then formed into the desired shape.
  • Lampwork-techniek: technique in which different types of glass are continuously melted.
  • Lattimo: opaque, white glass.
  • Millefiori (ofwel Murrine): long, thin sticks of solid or hollow, but colored glass to imitate flowers.
  • Sommerso: An already blown, thick glass object is completely submerged in a container of different transparent, colored glass.

 

Recognize Murano glass

Want to get your hands on a real piece of Murano glass? This glass is only made on Murano. With this type of glass, the location is almost always mentioned first, then the factory, and finally the designer. You can identify these sources by a master glassmaker’s signature, a factory label, a certificate of authenticity or a factory catalog.

 

Our range of Murano glass chandeliers

We also offer some chandeliers made of this beautiful glass. You can see these lamps below!

Want to see the lamp in real life?

Would you like to see the lamp in real life? That is more than possible. We are now fully represented again in our physical showroom in Heemskerk.. Make an appointment with us and we will be happy to tell you more about our lamps!