Vintage Murano Paperweight

Weighs approximately 3lbs. 2.7oz.

Murano glass is the biggest name in the history of glassmaking. The Venetian islands (including Murano, Burano, and Lido) have a long and respected history of technological and stylistic innovations that define decorative and art glass to this day.

Murano glass refers to glass objects manufactured on the island of Murano, part of a network of islands in the Venetian Lagoon. For centuries, glassmakers across Italy flocked to Venice, a city with a port that made it a key center for trade when Venice was part of the Byzantine Empire. Until the late Byzantine Empire, the world’s leading glassblowers were primarily located in Egypt and Syria. Thanks to the reach of the empire, knowledge was shared throughout the region, and the glassmakers of Venice honed their skills thanks to these master craftsmen.

In the 14th century, the walled lagoon city of Venice became an independent state. As glassmaking in the area became more established, glassmakers from the mainland flocked to the city to refine their craft and set up workshops. The city, however, became particularly fire-prone with its potent mix of buildings with straw roofs and industries that relied on intense heat. Among the worst disasters to fall upon the city was The Great Fire of Venice in 1105, which damaged 23 neighborhoods and destroyed 23 churches.

By 1291, the sheer number of furnaces contained within the city was threatening the livelihood of Venetians, so the Senate, the governing body of the Republic of Venice at the time, ordered the entire glassmaking industry to move to the islands of Murano to prevent and contain future urban destruction.

By the 20th century, Venetian glassmakers began to work collaboratively with artists and designers, elevating glassmaking as an art form. In the 1980s there was an influx of glassmakers creating unique art glass, as well as artists training in glassmaking specifically. As a result, Murano is now a global destination rife with cultural and artistic significance.

***Please look at the attached photos for size and condition. Photos are part of the description representing the condition report and can be used for authentication prior to the sale date. We urge bidder's to view all attached photos in detail. All items are sold "AS IS". Thank you for your interest and good luck bidding.

Notes: Please inspect all photos carefully before bidding. Thank you for your interest and good luck bidding.

Consistent with age and use.

18%

Vincenza Marsullo | (860) 997-3332 | fil14fy@gmail.com

Pickup Details

Private Residence

Torrington, CT 06790

When to Pickup

Sunday, 7/25, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

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