Murano Glass: An Intricate and Historic Art Form
- umaraja
- May 18, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 6, 2023
By Uma Raja
The island of Murano exudes the tranquility of a small Italian town. Colorful buildings stretch endlessly into the horizon, lining each side of a canal. Boats bob gently in the sea breeze while vegetable gardens nestle behind storefronts. Children blow bubbles and well-trained dogs bask in the sun.
The island features a rich history interwoven with the art of Venetian glass blowing. For 700 years, Venice has been the prime manufacturer of beautiful glass pieces. The creation of glass art was centered on Murano to prevent the city of Venice from burning down. Today, the island offers glass blowing demonstrations, a glass museum and shops featuring a variety of purchasable artwork.
Glass Blowing Demonstration
Transportation from Venice to Murano is not a bus, but instead a large boat. The public water taxi provides easy access for both tourists and locals. Depending on the location in Venice, a ride to the island of Murano can take anywhere between fifteen and forty-five minutes.
Just two minutes from the Murano Faro water taxi stop, guests walk past a lighthouse and arrive at grandiose showrooms of shimmering glass. The Original Murano Glass Furnace & Showroom has everything from chandeliers to minuscule figurines of French bulldogs. For thirty minutes, guests can watch a demonstration of a glass master at work.
The glass master sticks a hollow pole into a kiln that glows as hot and orange as the maw of a dragon. A bulbous, balloon-like amount of glass congeals at the end of the tool. The glass master spins, sculpts and strokes with specialized tools. It takes twenty years to become a glass blowing master. Due to the rigorous training, only ten percent of artists achieve the official title.
The glass begins to resemble a wide cup. It can be molded into various shapes as it is reduced from 2,552 degrees Fahrenheit to 2,012 degrees. The artist pinches with large pliers and exhales into the end of the pole, expanding the glass into a blooming hibiscus flower. He perches a sheet of paper on top of the blistering hot art and it bursts into spontaneous flames. At 932 degrees, the malleable glass cools into a permanent shape.
The flower is only the beginning. The glass master twists and pinches a new cylinder of molten glass. Each movement is calculated and precise. A twitch of the wrist, a subtle flick of the pliers. Each touch is a detail--a muscular leg and a mane flowing in the wind. It is a form of alchemy how the artist conjures a horse in a matter of minutes, an enchanted figurine lifelike in how it rears on two legs. The front row of the demonstration is reserved exclusively for children. The magic reflects in their wide eyes.
Lost in the moment, audiences find themselves transported back into the showrooms. The glass blowing demonstration fosters newfound appreciation for the intricate details in each figurine.
Glass Museum
The Glass Museum walks guests through the chronological history of glass as an art form. Venetians were inspired by glasswork from the Middle East, particularly from Syria. By the 14th century, Venice had become the undisputed master of glass with 12 active glasswork facilities. Venetian glass gained notoriety due largely to Angelo Barovier inventing clear glass. Venetian glass was in high demand with even the pope commissioning pieces. The museum was founded in 1861 to map out the history and life of Murano after the island began to recover from the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797.
“Murano glass is exported to many parts of the world. It’s important for the history of the island. New and ancient, we have it on display,” said Glass Museum docent Laura Bianchi.
Murano glass evolved with time, from basic bottles to goblets interlaced with delicate pink and blue flowers. In the nineteenth century, artists began experimenting with innovative techniques, ushering in an era of contemporary glass. A room full of glass tomatoes, unicorns and cacti display newfound creative freedom.
It’s not just the glass pieces that are a work of art, but the museum itself. The Flamboyant Gothic building dates back to 1689 where it served as a patrician’s palace. On the ceiling, painted angels flutter through fluffy clouds.
The Glass Museum is worth visiting to gain a nuanced appreciation for art history. The museum is brimming with details in both English and Italian about glass making tools and techniques in various centuries.
Shopping
A stroll through the shops of Murano is sure to provide a lovely day of entertainment for those visiting Venice. Shoppers rejoice, as Murano is a haven for those who love retail therapy.
“My favorite part of Murano is the details on some of the small glass work, it’s just crazy,” said Minnesota tourist Brandon Schons. “I got a glass gondola with Venice in the background and little glass candies for a fake candy dish.”
Each store is unique and represents the personalities of various glass blowers. There are glass jellyfish encased in tropical blue, life-size busts of ruby and gold angel wings, an entire menagerie of animals ranging from rabbits to tarantulas and matching dinnerware sets.
The shops provide a perfect sample of Italy for loved ones back home. Adorable magnets, sparkling bracelets and multicolored shot glasses are staples of any Murano storefront. Due to the variety of figurines, souvenirs can be catered with a personal touch.
“This is a small town, but it’s definitely got a lot to offer with all the glass blowing culture. It’s a beautiful. Even when it’s raining, it still has an effect on you,” Schons said.
Murano is worth a day trip for those looking to appreciate a timeless art form. Even 700 years later, the skills of the glass blowers remain a testament to the artistic achievements of humanity. Like the glass itself, the island of Murano offers a refined beauty that cannot be found anywhere else.
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