Why is Murano glass special?

 

Murano Glass is special type of artistic glass, which originated in Venice nearly a thousand years ago as the locals retained the knowledge and skills that ancient Romans had in glass-making. 

Murano Glass is crafted entirely by hand from the source materials found locally, made from silica, soda, lime and potassium melted together in a special furnace at a temperature of 1500°C to reach a liquid state. 

Murano glass is created only on the island of Murano near Venice, where there are companies that produce the glass canes of different colors and designs. Gold or silver foil are often added to the glass mixture, along with such minerals as copper for sparkles, zinc for white color, cobalt for blue, manganese for violet, and so on. 

Various complex techniques and a steady and experienced hand are needed to craft and shape the final pieces using only a few very basic instruments, many of which were developed in the Middle Ages and surprisingly have changed little since then. 

This method of glass-making results in unique creations with rich colors, patterns and shapes, reserving the right to be called “Works of Art”. 

Glassware has been created in other countries around the world, but no other glass can compare or compete with the rich, ancient history, the craftsmanship, and the artistic value of...Murano Glass.