This beautiful glass bowl has all the characteristics of ‘real’ Murano glass. Nevertheless, I will have it assessed to make sure it is glass from the island of Murano, just north of Venice. Below is a text from a story by Catawiki-Murano expert Fiammetta Fulchiati:
“The history of Murano glass making goes back as far as the 8th century. By the 12th century Venice had become extremely popular for its fine glass products. In order to keep the glass production business unique and profitable, a law passed in 1271 stated that no foreign glass could be imported for production and no foreign glassworkers were to be employed. However, in the 13th century all glass making furnaces were moved from Venice to Murano by law, because the fires in the furnaces provided great risk for the wooden structures of Venice. Combined, these two laws ensure that Murano glass is still unique today; created by artists and craftsmen from a small group of islands in Italy. The secrets of glass making are passed down from father to son and from master to pupil.
The ‘special ingredient’ in Murano glass is silica sand, while special fluxes and stabilisers are added to melt the glass at lower temperatures and create beautiful objects. Minerals like cobalt and copper, as well as gold and silver foil, are often added for colour. Century old techniques are still used, making Murano glass a very special type of art. Unfortunately there are many fake Murano glass objects to be found both online and even in the Murano region. Because of the uniqueness, sophistication and complexity of technique that distinguishes Murano glass all over the world, it is highly popular to imitate.”
This is a ruby red candy dish with silver highlights. The bowl probably dates from the 1950s or 1960s and is in excellent condition. Diameter 12.5 cm, height: 5.5 cm.