Venetian glass is a type of glass products made in Venice, primarily on the island of Murano. It is popular worldwide for being colorful, elaborate and skillfully made. Most of the important characteristics of these products were developed by the thirteenth century. Towards the end of thirteenth century, the center of the Venetian glass factories moved to Murano. Byzantine craftsmen played an important role in the development of the Venetian glass. In 1204, some fleeing artisans came to Venice. By the sixteenth century, Venetian artisans gained control over the transparency and color of their glass products, and mastered various modern decorative techniques. Efforts were made to keep these glass making techniques within Venice, but they became known elsewhere and the Venetian style glassware was produced in other Italian cities too.
In the sixteenth century, Venetian glass makers used to make vessels using the millefiori technique. Diamond engravings were also made possible during this century by making improvements in the quality of glass. The staple products of the Venetian glass makers in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were drinking glasses. The peculiar Venetian characteristics were the elaborate workings on the stem with tools such as pincers. Symmetrical wings are drawn at each side. This type of drinking glasses and some other vessels with flared bowls are known as bouquetiers. In the eighteenth century, competition from other countries caused a decline of Venetian glass.
Look-Alike Venetian Glass
In the sixteenth century, Venetian glass makers used to make vessels using the millefiori technique. Diamond engravings were also made possible during this century by making improvements in the quality of glass. The staple products of the Venetian glass makers in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were drinking glasses. The peculiar Venetian characteristics were the elaborate workings on the stem with tools such as pincers. Symmetrical wings are drawn at each side. This type of drinking glasses and some other vessels with flared bowls are known as bouquetiers. In the eighteenth century, competition from other countries caused a decline of Venetian glass.
Look-Alike Venetian Glass
Since the tenth century, Venice has been a trading and manufacturing center for glass. By the thirteenth century, Venetian glass making was restricted to the island of Murano. As a result, both Murano and Venice used to describe the same glass. Importers and tourists bought thousands of glass pieces in Murano, thereby skyrocketing their popularity. This led to the production of a high range of counterfeits and look-alikes. Sometimes, identifying Venetian glass can be frustrating because most pieces are not permanently marked at the time of manufacture. If they are marked, it is mostly with stickers and paper labels that can easily wear off through washing over time. It’s also possible that labels can be switched or removed.
So, the best way to identify lookalikes is to study them in details, e.g.by determining their glass making technique, design and quality of glass. A useful indication of Venetian origin is the color and quality of glass. Look-alikes are made of only two to three colors. Venetian glass is made up of average 5 to 9 or more colors and they are usually thicker.
Weight is another consideration to identify fake ones. Original Venetian pieces generally weigh more than the duplicates. Venetian artisans make things differently. So,their products weigh more than a comparable volume of faux glass. Venetian glass is the result of many centuries of dedicated experiments with glass and colors. And, no look-alike can take its place.
So, the best way to identify lookalikes is to study them in details, e.g.by determining their glass making technique, design and quality of glass. A useful indication of Venetian origin is the color and quality of glass. Look-alikes are made of only two to three colors. Venetian glass is made up of average 5 to 9 or more colors and they are usually thicker.
Weight is another consideration to identify fake ones. Original Venetian pieces generally weigh more than the duplicates. Venetian artisans make things differently. So,their products weigh more than a comparable volume of faux glass. Venetian glass is the result of many centuries of dedicated experiments with glass and colors. And, no look-alike can take its place.
One can shop for genuine Venice glass artworks at OriginalMuranoGlass.com – based in Murano, Italy. Having its own Murano glass factory and showroom in the Island, the e-shop offers the most loved collections of Venetian glass lamps and chandeliers, mirrors, hand blown drinking glasses, beaded jewelry, glass bowls for centerpieces, sculptures, glass photo frames, exclusive vases, and lots of other wedding and corporate gift items. You can order your bespoke artwork here as well as ask for bulk order production. OMG ensures prompt delivery of products worldwide.
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