One of the most ancient techniques became one of the most recent, thanks to a paradox of history. That is, the Murano glass fusion, the glass which is born from glass, neither from the moulding of sand, soda, carbonate or various oxides in the powerful furnaces, nor the half-processed glass of the rod used in the lamp working art. Instead it is created from a glass sheet, which is fragmented and recomposed according to a defined design, is melted and cooled again, alone or over other sheets. Let’s take a look at the contemporary Murano glass fusion, step by step: The modern electric or gas furnaces considerably simplify the production of glass-fused artworks, even if, in any case, the process is still very delicate and requires much competence of the artisans who use such technique. Usually, these furnaces measure internally at most 200cm x 100cm, thus the glass sheets usedin this technique barely exceed such dimensions. The task of these machineries is of gradually heating the substance roughly at 820°C, which is the fusion point, and letting the substance become less and less viscous to solidifying again in the desired shape. A complete cycle takes around 10-12 hours, in accordance with the dimensions of the glass surface, the type of glass which composed the previous one. 1. Many different objects can be created, from plates to decorated windows, from jewels to paperweight, but let us take the example of a generic ‘tableau’ made up of glassy pieces.The first step, in any case, is the planning with marker and cardboard. As if one is drawing a mosaic, from the soul of the starting imagination, one poses a beautiful female figure on a wooden background, drawing lines which divide the subject and background in many parts of different dimensions. 2. Presenting the cardboard on the glass sheet of the selected colour for the dress – previously meticulously cleaned - the possible trees and shrubs in the foreground are cut through the cardboard and the glass.The action is done through a tool called ‘tagliavetro’ or ‘diamante’ and it is a sort of halfway between a marker and a scalpel. In many cases, an expert can draw the lines directly on the glass sheet – freehand – without using the cardboard. 3. Once this kind of mosaicis reached, then the other parts are made in the same way. The glass pieces are now put on a transparent glass sheet, compatible with the glass used: such sheet would perform the function of a paper sheet, designed to embrace all the subjects. 4. Through powdered metal oxides, each is tied to a particular colour, and the shades of the background are defined, dusting such material as icing sugar. 5. Another powder – called ‘distaccante’ – is the agent used as homogeneous and thin layer on the refractory surface within the furnace.As one can easily understand, the aim is to prevent the glass from sticking. 6. By now, as in a cooking recipe, everything is ready to turn on the oven. Continuing with the cooking metaphor, it is unquestionable that the expertise and the precision of the Murano masters, true top chefs of the glass, are the ingredients through which the best dishes can be done! If you wish to shop for fused Murano or Venetian glass artworks online, OriginalMuranoGlass.com can provide you with plenty of choices, including glass photo frames, clocks, paperweights, Murano glass pendants, round and square plates, glass fish aquarium, glass sculptures, and so on. These items can prove to be original corporate gifts as well as wedding favors. This web-based superstore owns a Murano glass factory in the island, which one can visit to see the live glass blowing demonstration for free. Just book your visit at their website easily!
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The furnace’s two favourite techniques are, undoubtedly, the blowing glass and the massiccio, or massello, or full glass.These are the three synonym expressions that seek to define the marvellous sculpture process of the glass matter. Unlike the blowing one, capable of conferring lightness by the fusion of voids and filled spaces to the artwork, the massello technique is structured like the dynamic elaboration of one quantity of matter, or like a progressive addiction of vitreous graft around a primary central nucleus. The horizon of sculpture possibilities is limitless: from classic horses of roughly 20 cm to life-size animals; from miniatures of human figures to colossuses in the most disparate positions; from massive abstract artworks to elegant furniture capable of enriching any room with the spell of a form of art which cannot be found elsewhere. The Master’s main tools…after his own hands In Murano furnaces, the Master’s creative genius and ability are already revealed from centuries, constituting time to time a pantheon of names, faces, and moreover hands: heritage in constant expansion of the glass island, generation to generation. Fundamental support to the creation of an artwork by the massello technique is the arsenal of tools which the artist uses within his daily, fascinating work. Take a look at these tools underneath. The Scagno is a particular seat on which the master frequently sits to facilitate his work. It is fitted with two large armrests cladded of metal sheets, on which the artist can put the rod in constant rotation, facilitating the manipulation of the bolo (the first quantity of incandescent glass extracted from the crogiolo) and the possible, viscous successive addictions. The Canna – a metal tube completely drilled, often simply called ferro – is roughly 1.5m long and with a diameter of 2/4cm. It is the main tool in both the blowing techniques and the massello ones. In the latter, such rod is used to pick on one extremity of the vitreous mass, to work it later with other tools. The rod is constantly kept in rotation for avoiding imperfections given by gravity. The Puntello is a rod used by an assistant of the master ordered to put other agglomerates in contact with the present one on the rod of the Master, in order to create crafts of various dimensions and forms. The puntello can get to the Master’s hands in some particular phases of glassmaking. The Borselle are metal pliers of main importance in the massello technique. They are used to stretch the viscous glass and there are many types of them, in accordance with the specific tasks that they have to carry out: da siègar – that is, to saw – for dividing two quantities of matter; da pissegar, to string the glass lengthening it in some points; a sculeoto or a scuregoto, ending with two protuberances similar to spoons; a gelosia, with the extremities bearded with a particular frame which is impressed on the glass; a spin de pesse with a frame similar to a fishbone; lissie if it has a plain structure, not intended to the pressure decoration, but only to the stretching action. The Tagliente is similar to a robust scissor with straight or rounded blades, according to the desired cut which has to be done in the first stages of the glass processing. The Tajòl is a kind of knife with a square tip used to engage with the vitreous mass aiming at shaping it. The Magiosso is a tool which seems a small pot with a hollow hemispherical shape and a handle, completely in wood. It is used to round the hot molten glass, in combination with the constant rotation of the rod. You can have more information on how Murano glass sculptures are made by visiting OriginalMuranoGlass.com – A Murano-based online shop owning a long-established Murano glass factory. This Venetian glass website offers a host of massello and blown glass figurines, Murano glass sconces and chandeliers, drinking glassware, Murano glass pendants and beaded necklaces, and original corporate gifts. So, start shopping at this web-based shop right away! A mirror has always been a suggestive element. Jim Morrison said, "Remember that life is like a mirror:she smiles at you if you look at her smile."Roman Price, the founder of social motivational website LifePulp.com, wrote: "If you’re still looking for that one person who will change your life, take a look in the mirror.” From aphorisms to cinema, from poetry to animated design classics, from music to everyday life, the mirror crosses our path in many situations. It is a useful object but has always been a decorative element of great importance in the aesthetics of a home, a palace,and an office as well. History of Venetian Mirror: From Its Origins in Versailles to the Present Day The Venetian mirror, one of the most renowned facets of Murano glassware tradition, adds to the usefulness and sense of taste of a multi-century tradition that has been refining over time without ever betraying the fundamental principles from which it had originated. After a first production dated back to 1369, the Venetian mirror had under gone two fundamental moments in its phase of early development; first, the introduction of crystal glass in the middle of the fifteenth century, thanks to the inventor Angelo Barovier and second, the definition of an effective and functional process of polishing glass plates by Vincenzo Redor in 1540, which makes this reflective object to be a real marvel of the sixteenth century design. From that moment on, artisans and artists involved in the creation of mirrors have consolidated their fame internationally, taking on a prominent role within the Serenissima. An example is the case of Gerolamo Barbin, born in 1661, who, enticed by the Minister of Finance Jean-Baptiste Colbert, went along with some of his colleagues to Louis XIV France, despite the restrictions of the Republic of Venice on the export of this kind of precious knowledge. There he worked for a few years at the Manufacturing Royale des glaces de miroirs, in the Parisian district of Saint Antonine, and even came to work at Mirror Gallery in Versailles. Expressing the desire to repatriate, thanks to his unique ability and creativity, he obtained the approval of Venice and resumed his production in the lagoon. How is a Venetian or Murano glass mirror realized? Following are the 7 key steps involved. Even today the expertise and inventiveness of Murano artists come to the fore in all the fundamental steps needed to create these extraordinary handmade objects. 1. As the preliminary step, the design of the mirror is materialized based on the measurements and the study of the "light", the arrangement of the glass parts which will then, in their reciprocal matching, compose the mirror as if it were a puzzle or a mosaic. Unlike jigsaw puzzles and mosaics, however, the Venetian mirror usually does not consist of many small fragments, but of a small number of marginal sections that go to form the perimeter of a broader reflective surface. 2. Then a wooden structure is madein dimensions suitable to accommodate both the mirror that is being prepared and the frames that will accompany it. 3. Once the glass plate has been cut to the desired size,the surface is wisely engraved with the most varied decorations, from floral textures to bucolic scenes of the Renaissance taste, from miniatures of static or moving animals to representations of mythological events or characters. 4. Silver is then poured on the plate.This is an extremely delicate procedure, in which the skill of the craftsman has the task of not letting impurities and spreading a silvery veil of homogeneous thickness. 5. If required, an aging chemical treatment is performed based on specific compositions capable of giving the mirror all the charm of vintage taste. 6. The mirrors are then placed inside frames often very elaborate (almost a work of art in a work of art), laminated in gold or silver and fastened with nails with covered top in glass. 7. Venetian mirrors can be completed with the grafting of crystal decorations along the margins, additional elements that can further embellish an already-effective creation itself. These crystal sculptures are made in Muranese furnaces and generally represent floral subjects such as leaves, flowers or little branches, and have carefully selected colors (by designers, mirror artisans or customers) in order to create chromatic effects of refined taste. You can explore a host of authentic Murano glass mirrors handmade using the above 7 fundamental steps at OriginalMuranoGlass.com – a big Murano-based online shop for Venetian glass objects. It is home to exquisite selections of Venetian glass lamps and chandeliers, blown glass figurines, hand blown drinking glasses, glass bowls for centerpieces, exclusive vases, beaded jewelry, gift items for various occasions, and so on. If you love art glass, the website is definitely worth visiting. Murano Island is located on the north side of Venice. In the year 1291, Venice government ordered glass masters to move their furnaces to Murano for fire safety reasons. Since then, the glass objects that have been made in Murano are famous and sold worldwide. The artisans have been constantly refining their techniques to create all kinds of glass effects.The artworks they produce have been known for their highest degree of quality and creativity for centuries. Glass makers usually pass on their craft to the next generation in their family. How to get there? You might be approached by different salesmen who offer the service of taking to the Murano Island and their furnaces by free boat rides. If you take the offer, then be prepared to buy the items in their showrooms with a lot of pressure. Visiting Murano by using a public means of transportation is much preferred. Once you reach the island, get off at any store. Make a plan to spend a half or full day to stroll through various shops. Where to visit? If you want to see glassblowing in action, then visit the island in the morning of weekdays and keep your eyes and ears open. Most of the major glass studios do not allow walk-ins (you need prior bookings), but you never know you could encounter one. There is one furnace that is generally open for visitors every day. It is called “Ellegi Glass”. However, it is recommended to make an appointment at their website OriginalMuranoGlass.com to experience the best service. After getting off from the public boat stop "Murano Faro" you just need to walk a couple of minutes at your right, passing the lighthouse, along the bank, until you reach building number 4B. Inside this traditional factory, you can see a live demonstration of some classic techniques of glass blowing. Tips for visiting Murano glass factories • First, try to visit a Murano glass factory in the morning and don’t expect much action in the lunch hour. • In Venice, public transportation is much convenient. Think wisely before going for the pick and drop offer of salespeople.Some of them may unduly pressurize you to buy glass items from their showrooms. • If you are a serious collector or buyer of glass objects, you may be able to visit some of the important furnaces by appointment. If you have any contacts in Murano, it is suggested to make arrangements through a gallery, dealer or decorator. • Glass factories are normally closed during August, though a few tourist orientations may stay open. A trip to Murano is easy but the thing is when you wander through the small shops, you may fall in love with some glass pieces. Instead of buying from them, it is recommended to attend a free demonstration conducted by a popular glass factory first. Next, you may visit their shop/showroom to enjoy the entire range of artworks they make and buy some in the end. Sometimes, they will hand you some free samples. Most often, you can get a chance to buy their unique and beautiful glass items at discounted prices. Original Murano Glass (Ellegi Glass) owns a traditional, yet famous Murano glass factory that produces lots of vintage Murano glass artworks with the help of experienced glass masters every day. As mentioned earlier, you can see a free glass blowing demonstration inside this factory by making a prior appointment at OriginalMuranoGlass.com. The website is also a one-stop shop for Venetian glass lamps and chandeliers, blown glass figurines, drinking glass sets, Murano glass mirrors, beaded jewelry, and beautiful gift items for various occasions. Murano glass pendants are world-famous for their purity, elegance and years of tradition of making glass. The use of finest raw materials results in artworks of unequaled purity- a trademark that makes Murano glass pendants and other items much sought after. Owning and wearing glass pendants made in Murano is like flaunting a fine piece of art. Each piece is handmade and no two pieces are alike. Still Murano glass objects are handmade using traditional processes and not mass-produced. This makes your Murano pendant a unique and highly prized artwork. You will feel stylish and graceful, whether you wear a casual outfit or a classy dress or a night gown. Murano glass jewelry is one of the beautiful adornments women can rely on to enhance their beauty. Why to purchase glass pendants from Murano? One of the important reasons to buy glass items from Murano is its authenticity. Unfortunately, with the rise of globalization,the market is literally flooded with fake glass products from the Far East and places far away from Murano. Some of the competitors choose to make profits by selling these fake products. How to be sure of Murano glass pendants and jewelry? People value and appreciate the beauty and its rich history. So, to avoid such types of counterfeit products, people should know how to buy original Murano items. Following are some tips to help people buy authentic Murano glass jewelry like pendants, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. • Specialized only in Murano glass: Opt for sellers that don’t sell anything else but only Murano glass products like pendants, beaded necklaces, small personal accessories to tableware, home decor, lighting, mirrors, etc. • Connection with glass masters personally: The products of Murano are handmade personally by glass masters and artisans. They work over the years and develop many beautiful glass effects and techniques and produce beautiful glass items. With constant feedback, they work hard to achieve high quality products that follow the latest trends. • Assurance of quality and origin: Each original Murano glass item comes with the certificate of authenticity in Italian and English to assure you that the glass items you purchase are genuine. Each piece has the signature of the glass master. They have stickers of only official Murano glass consortium or written Made in Italy on products. • Venetian artistry and Murano glass artistic heritage: Due to fake glass products Murano glass industry is incurring heavy losses. Even most of the shops are closed down due to difficulty finding enough clients. To value Venetian artistry and Murano glass artistic heritage, you have to acquire some knowledge about real Murano glass items and then buy it from reputed and original sellers. How to use Murano glass pendants? Use handmade Murano glass pendants to create simple necklaces with the addition of a leather cord or chain. Most of the lamp worked pendants come with holes and can be strung simply on a leather cord or chain. Shop for the best-quality, authentic Murano glass pendants and Murano beads Italy at OriginalMuranoGlass.com, based in the island itself. An owner of a traditional Murano glass factory, this online business has emerged as the ultimate destination for Venetian glass products for the last few years. From glass sculptures, vases, hand blown drinking glasses to Murano glass sconces, centerpieces, Venetian mirrors, glass photo frames, and Murano wedding favors, you can discover hundreds of mesmerizing artworks by visiting this website. It delivers products safely and quickly worldwide. An aquarium is a vivarium of any size having at least one transparent side in which aquatic animals or plants are displayed. It is a water-filled tank in which fishes swim around. Small aquariums are usually kept in homes by fish lovers. In many cities, there are larger public aquariums. Most of the aquariums consist of glass panes bonded together by 100% silicone sealant and plastic frames are attached to the lower and upper edges for decoration. A glass aquarium can be constructed up to 1000 liters. The first modern aquarium made of glass was developed in the 19th century. Earlier, glass aquariums commonly had steel or slate bottoms which allowed them to be heated underneath by an open flame source of heat. These aquariums had glass panels attached with metal frame that was sealed with putty. Sometimes, laminated glass was used which had the advantages of both acrylic and glass. For many years,glass aquariums have been a popular choice to decorate homes. Compared to acrylic, glass aquariums are more scratch resistant. Instead of keeping live fishes and underwater animals in the aquarium, have you ever thought of adorning your home with a Venetian or Murano glass aquarium featuring beautiful lifeless fishes? A stunning work of art, the Murano glass aquarium sculpture is handmade using very difficult techniques like Sommerso. First, the glass master makes the little fishes and afterwards, they are molten in glass stone at a higher temperature. This can also be an innovative way to have an aquarium at home. There is no maintenance at all. You’ll never have to feed them and never change water since they never die. And you can have a nice holiday whenever you want! Following are some of the best Murano glass aquariums handcrafted by glass masters.These are available in different sizes to decorate your home. • Small sized aquarium ball: The lovely fish ball aquarium is made with Sommerso technique. It is handmade by a difficult technique. As mentioned above, the glass master first creates the tiny fishes, which are then molten in a glass stone at a higher temperature. • Round aquarium: These aquariums are also handmade with Sommerso technique. This is a creative way to have an aquarium at home since it doesn’t require any maintenance and the fishes never die; you know why! • Fused glass aquarium: This beautiful sculpture is made with the technique of fused glass. It is handmade in layered glass. • Tropical aquarium: This luxury sculpture is made with the Sommerso technique and comes with a LED light to let it shine. It is full of charm and elegance and a fantastic piece of art. • Fish abstract: This abstract sculpture is worked free hand on a punty in solid glass and also polished by hand. It is rich in elegance and attention to details. These are some of the popular Murano glass aquariums made using original Venetian glass making techniques and are a great gift idea for any occasion. You can bring home a genuine glass fish aquarium made in Murano by ordering it from OriginalMuranoGlass.com. This big online Venice glass shop offers a wide variety of glass animal figurines, glass bowls for centerpieces, exclusive vases, drinking glassware, chandeliers, mirrors, jewelry, original corporate gifts, and so on. Today, the unique Murano glass objects are famous all over the world as collectibles and gift ideas. The centuries of traditional expertise combined with contemporary designs make Murano glass the world’s finest pieces of art. Murano Glass Sculptures and Figurines Murano glass artists are accomplished in making all kinds of sculptures. Their handmade sculptures and figurines bring a miniature world onto your showcases and tables. All aspects of life are demonstrated by these outstanding artisans with mind-boggling clarity of the minutest of details. Their emphasis on depicting even tiny features without compromising their grace and beauty is often incredible. Murano glass sculptures have every kind of themes inspired by real life so that you can use them on any occasion. Any kind of festivals or special occasions like weddings, anniversaries and birthdays is thoughtfully and beautifully represented through these glass sculptures. These statues can also be used as home decor items. They can add an aura of elegance to any room. You many choose from themes such as lovers and dancers, abstract arts, heads and faces, clowns and comic caricatures, Venetian Goldoni figurines, animals, birds, fishes, marine life, and many more. How to Buy Original Murano Glass Sculptures? Murano glass sculptures range from small pieces for homes to monumental showpieces. They are unique and can raise status and vibrancy of your room. However, buying original Murano glass is also an art. Following are some tips discussed regarding how to buy an original Murano glass sculpture or any other artwork. • Each original Murano glass item is unique and handmade: Every piece is different from one another, i.e. these cannot be produced industrially. There are definitely small differences found in them. If you are not able to recognize the differences, then ask the seller to explain them. There are also color deviations, e.g. some are transparent, while others are light or bright colored. Look at the natural imperfection of the glass. This is true and emotional. • Final selling price of the product: Original Murano glass objects come in different budgets. Prices are based on the quality of decorations. These items have a well-defined cost since they are made using ancient Venetian techniques, which require patience and time. So if an object carries a surprisingly low price, then it is surely not an original Murano artwork, but an imitation. Murano glass is a luxury object. • Request a certificate of origin: Original Murano glass must come with a certificate of origin, wherein detailed information about the product is mentioned. Thus, request a certificate of origin from the seller. • Check if the product is signed by the artist: Look for the artist’s signature. The glass object is signed by the artist on the surface. If you don’t see any sign, then ask the seller about it. Consulting on the web is always helpful. Fake signs can also be made. They are not 100% perfect at times. Hence, consult an expert pertaining to this matter. • Pay attention to the techniques used: Ask the seller about the glassmaking method used and beware of the glass colors. • Check the feedback online: Look for reviews from other buyers. Compare them and then decide to buy that beautiful and precious piece of Murano glass. Authentic Murano glass sculptures can now be ordered from the comfort of your home. Simply visit OriginalMuranoGlass.com to explore a wide variety of blown glass figurines,handmade by artisans in Murano. The online Venetian glass shop will also mesmerize you with its Murano glass sconces, chandeliers, mirrors, vases, drinking glassware, jewelry, centerpieces, wedding favors, and original corporate gifts. You can also book a visit to their Murano glass factory through this website and see the live demonstration of how various artworks are made by glass masters. Venetian glass is a type of glass products made in Venice, primarily on the island of Murano. It is popular worldwide for being colorful, elaborate and skillfully made. Most of the important characteristics of these products were developed by the thirteenth century. Towards the end of thirteenth century, the center of the Venetian glass factories moved to Murano. Byzantine craftsmen played an important role in the development of the Venetian glass. In 1204, some fleeing artisans came to Venice. By the sixteenth century, Venetian artisans gained control over the transparency and color of their glass products, and mastered various modern decorative techniques. Efforts were made to keep these glass making techniques within Venice, but they became known elsewhere and the Venetian style glassware was produced in other Italian cities too. In the sixteenth century, Venetian glass makers used to make vessels using the millefiori technique. Diamond engravings were also made possible during this century by making improvements in the quality of glass. The staple products of the Venetian glass makers in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were drinking glasses. The peculiar Venetian characteristics were the elaborate workings on the stem with tools such as pincers. Symmetrical wings are drawn at each side. This type of drinking glasses and some other vessels with flared bowls are known as bouquetiers. In the eighteenth century, competition from other countries caused a decline of Venetian glass. Look-Alike Venetian Glass Since the tenth century, Venice has been a trading and manufacturing center for glass. By the thirteenth century, Venetian glassmaking was restricted to the island of Murano. As a result, both Murano and Venice used to describe the same glass. Importers and tourists bought thousands of glass pieces in Murano, thereby skyrocketing their popularity. This led to the production of a high range of counterfeits and look-alikes. Sometimes, identifying Venetian glass can be frustrating because most pieces are not permanently marked at the time of manufacture. If they are marked, it is mostly with stickers and paper labels that can easily wear off through washing over time. It’s also possible that labels can be switched or removed. So, the best way to identify lookalikes is to study them in details, e.g.by determining their glass making technique, design and quality of glass. A useful indication of Venetian origin is the color and quality of glass. Look-alikes are made of only two to three colors. Venetian glass is made up of average 5 to 9 or more colors and they are usually thicker. Weight is another consideration to identify fake ones. Original Venetian pieces generally weigh more than the duplicates. Venetian artisans make things differently. So,their products weigh more than a comparable volume of faux glass. Venetian glass is the result of many centuries of dedicated experiments with glass and colors. And, no look-alike can take its place. One can shop for genuine Venice glass artworks at OriginalMuranoGlass.com – based in Murano, Italy. Having its own Murano glass factory and showroom in the Island, the e-shop offers the most loved collections of Venetian glass lamps and chandeliers, mirrors, hand blown drinking glasses, beaded jewelry, glass bowls for centerpieces, sculptures, glass photo frames, exclusive vases, and lots of other wedding and corporate gift items. You can order your bespoke artwork here as well as ask for bulk order production. OMG ensures prompt delivery of products worldwide. |