Glass as we know it has been around since about 3500 BC, though many more ancient cultures used natural occurring glass called obsidian (found in lava rock) for sharp implements and weapons. Cups, goblets, plates and other useful objects, made of glass, came into such common use around 630-650 BC that it replaced pottery in popularity.
Murano glass is high quality Italian art glass manufactured on the island of Murano off the coast of Venice. These glass products are world famous for being colorful, beautifully designed, and crafted by the master craftsmen of Murano. Italian art glass started in the Venice area around the seventh century AD and, since the thirteenth century AD, these experts have been famous for their amazing glass designing techniques. Every year, experts from all over the world visit the island of Murano to learn the secrets of glass designing from these masters of the craft.
Venetian glass is very clear and pure. The artisans usually give blends of color, in a variety of ways, to these products. You can find this glass in clear, solid or multicolored design pieces. A famous type of Venetian glass is lattimo. Lattimo, which is opaque, was given the name 'milk glass' in the U.S. around the beginning of the twentieth century and until the advent of World War II enjoyed immense popularity as a status symbol in more well to-do households. Milk glass made at the turn of the twentieth century into the 1930s has become a collector's item, even though it is still manufactured in the U.S. today.
Other types of Italian art glass include colorful millefiori (thousand flowers), enameled glass, crystalline glass, aventurine, and sommerso which is a form of artistic Murano glass that has layers of contrasting colors (typically 2). Sommerso was first formed in Murano during the late thirties and made popular by Seguso d'Arte in the fifties. This process is a popular technique for vases.
Many of the styles of Venetian art glass are made with flecks of some precious metals, gemstones and enameled glass. These techniques of making Venetian glass gave immense popularity to these glass products and they dominated the market with superior quality until about the sixteenth century AD when the processes migrated to other parts of Europe. Today these glass products, while produced largely in Italy, can be found in many parts of the world, though Italy and other European countries still enjoy dominance.
Italian art glass today is not your grandmother's elaborate dust catcher. It can be seen in products that include:
• Amazing range hoods in a variety of modern shapes to compliment contemporary kitchens
• Striking counter tops that flow from one end to the other and are durable as any stone
• Table top lamps, sparkling chandeliers and wall sconces are other examples of the incredible art and craftsmanship of the Murano glass makers
• Italian art glass can be seen in solid geometric forms used to decorate walls for kitchens, bathrooms and hallways also in mosaics
• Exquisite, contemporary vases and sculptures are available to compliment most every home whether the décor style is traditional, sleek modern, warm country, casual cottage, Tuscan or most any other mode of home décor. They also make wonderful gifts whether it's a figurine or a vase filled with flowers to compliment the recipient's taste.
Some examples... Can be found by visiting http://www.yourgiftcloset.com, and shopping our vases and our furniture and décor departments. Patricia de Jerez. Expert Author. Join us on Facebook - yourgiftcloset.com. We are looking forward to seeing you in both places! This article may be reprinted only with this resource box intact and included.
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