The History of Murano Glass, Venice Murano

The adventure of Venetian glass began about 1500 years ago.

Glassblowers from Aquileia, Italy, escaped barbarian attacks during the Roman Empire by traveling to the Venetian lagoon. Later, glassblowers from Byzantium and the Middle East added their talents to the city. Glass was used in public baths, bringing light and joy. Gradually, other uses were added, such as beads, mosaics, jewelry, mirrors, and windows. But only the wealthy could afford these luxuries, as glass was very expensive at the time.

The streetscape of Murano Venice Island is often characterized by canals. By the eighth century, Venice was a leading place for glass production, and by the end of the 13th century it was even the most important industry. A Guild of Glassblowers was formed to regulate the industry. But the Guild had dubious motives. It called for a law that all glassblowers would have to move from Venice to the island of Murano. Fearful of fires in the wooden buildings of overcrowded Venice, they wanted to keep the glassblowers' furnaces outside the city.

Therefore, in 1291, it was decreed that all glassblowers living in Venice were to move to Murano, a group of seven small islands connected by bridges. By isolating the craftsmen on Murano, their skills and secrets were able to flourish for centuries, making Murano the glassblower’s paradise it remains today.

It is interesting to note that not all historians believe that the glass artists were moved to Murano to protect Venice from fire. Many believe that the real purpose of this law was to isolate them so that they could not share their trade secrets.

The craftsmen were not only banished to Murano, but in 1295 a law was passed that forbade them from leaving the island. Despite these restrictions, they were considered prominent citizens of the island. They were allowed to carry swords, were protected by the Venetian state, did not work in the summer, and their daughters married into the wealthiest families in Venice.

This isolation allowed the craft to evolve, with many innovations and techniques originating in Murano. In the 15th century, Murano was known for cristallo, a fine, almost translucent glass, and lattimo, a milky glass. Later, the island became known for its mirrors, chandeliers, glass beads, glass jewelry, and much more. In 1450, a technological revolution marked the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of a Renaissance. Angelo Barovier, a glass artist, discovered how to remove impurities from soda ash to produce clear glass. The secrets that emerged from the work of families like the Barovier were treasured. Fathers in glassmaking families passed down their closely guarded glassmaking recipes to their sons.

In the 17th century, Murano glass began to decline, especially after Napoleon conquered Venice in 1797. Napoleon abolished all guilds, including the Glassblowers' Guild. By 1820, almost half of the 24 furnaces that existed in 1800 had closed. Only five furnaces were still producing blown glass.

But over the years the industry recovered and new prestigious companies were founded. Murano glass artisans also began to offer services to restore ancient Venetian mosaics, including those in the Basilica of St. Mark. After centuries of history and many challenges, the islands that make up Murano are still synonymous with glass today, and the glassblowers are still highly revered.

Click here to admire the ancient mosaic technique in a necklace.