Murano Glass Melting Process Explained in 4 Steps

The glass melting process can be considered the heart of what is the tradition of the artistic glass of Murano – the starting point from which all the specific glass making techniques will branch off. Procedures have been the same over the centuries. However,innovation in instrumentation, scientific nomenclature and lively jargon used by workers goes together in an extraordinary dance that swirls inside a world that deserves to be discovered.

1.    Metal crucibles of different sizes are used to contain the composition of elements and to accommodate the melting step.The larger crucible is called "Palato", the smaller ones "Ninfe" and those of still lesser ones " Ninfette". A fresh crucible cannot be used immediately; it should be accustomed within the furnace to a gradually increasing heat and in the matter of a week or a little more, the crucible will be able to withstand temperatures that can reach 1400 degrees.

2.    At one time, the depositing operation of the Palato on the bottom of the oven had a specific name, the so-called "Calada". In fact, the period of preparation for the heat took place on the top of four glass stones (in order to put the entire crucible under thermal stress, also the part below) that did not melt too. Hence, it was therefore necessary to use a hook and a jemmy for moving the four bases and slowly accompanying the Palato until it touched the base of the oven. An evolution of this delicate and difficult operation that could involve four men given the weight of the crucible was the introduction of glassy rocks that could melt gradually, so as to gradually bring the Palato to recline on the bottom.

3.    Another practice, which is useful as an additional protective measure for the crucibles that must withstand the highest temperatures, is called "Invariatura". This is an application of crystal glass along the inner walls of the crucible, so as to obtain a vitreous coating for the protection of metal surface.

4.    At this point, when they are ready for the fundamental "First fusion", in the composition that you want to melt is added the "Rottura", scrap elements of the same chemical type derived from previous mergers that facilitate the unfolding of what you want to get . From the second fusion onwards, it will always be kept as a waste, the Rottura precisely, inside the crucible, and there will be no need to add Rottura from the outside.

You can acquire more valuable information on different vintage Murano glass making techniques and operations by visiting OriginalMuranoGlass.com which is the one-stop shop for a wide array of genuine glass objects, made in Murano Island, Italy. The website offers luxury chandeliers, mirrors, sculptures, vases, jewelry, home decoration items, drinking glassware, centerpieces, tableware, and many more at fantastic prices. Choose from glass horse figurines, glass earrings, goblets, pitchers, bowls, perfume bottles, and photo frames as a memorable gift item for your loved ones. If you’re planning to visit Italy in general and Murano in particular, you can book a live Venice glass blowing demonstration for free by visiting this website.

Looking at More Christmas Gift Ideas in Murano Glass – Part II

Starting from where we left in the Part I, we’ll now shed light on more Murano glass gift choices for Christmas in this second and final part. We hope that you would be able to decide on what you wish to present on this big occasion after reading these two parts.

The next Christmas glass gift idea is Murano glass vase that can make any interior extra special. Handcrafted in unbelievable shapes, designs and color combinations, these vases can give you a clear idea about why Venice/Murano glass is sought after even after eight centuries of its origin. The Navagero collection of blown vases features murrina decoration, well-known for its rich blend of colors in striking designs. If you want to witness a special technique of glass blowing and engraving, then the Veronese vase collection is meant for you. Every piece in it is a rare beauty and artistic brilliance. The Harlequin Murano glass vase collection is another fabulous display of murrina decoration. Apart from Christmas, these vases can make wonderful wedding glass gifts too.

Centerpieces including plates, bowls and dishes are worth considering for Christmas gifts in Murano glass  because of their fascinating appearance. The fused glass plate selection comes with avventurina and murrina decorations. There are also gondola bowls in modern designs and multiple colors along with gold or silver decorations. These bowls have Venice landscape engraved or painted in them. A Murano glass centerpiece can truly become the focal point of your home. Gifting it to your friend, neighbor or colleague can really appeal to them.

Companies, managers, promoters, and event organizers looking to present hundreds of gifts on Christmas can go for highly attractive, yet affordable corporate gifts such as glass photo frames,bottle stoppers, plates, fountain pens, small vases, goblets, etc. There are also lots of jewelry gift choices for women, including Murano glass pendants, Venetian beads necklaces, earrings, rings, wrist watches, and bracelets.

Shopping for authentic Murano glass gifts can be easily carried out at OriginalMuranoGlass.com. Based in Murano Island, this leading website offers Venice glass products for all kinds of occasions. Here, you can order a Murano glass fish aquarium, vase, sculpture, centerpiece, chandelier or mirror from plenty of choices. The site delivers worldwide. There is no doubt that you can find a memorable gift item for Christmas here. In the end, a Christmas gift in Murano Glass is not only an object but a work of art and an expression of love.

Amazing Murano Glass Gift Ideas for Christmas – Part I

Christmas is fast approaching; why don't you choose authentic Murano glass artworks for your unforgettable gifts? The Christmas spirit touches new height if this year there will be a Christmas gift in Murano glass under the tree. Each year, with the arrival of the first cold, it’s time to dedicate yourself to gifts, decorations and Christmas colors. The city streets full of light colors and gift ideas get ready to impress you with their originality.

Although there is still some time left for Christmas this year, you should start considering different gift options for your beloved ones. Planning from today itself can save you from the last-minute blushes. Since this is the holiday everyone eagerly awaits each year, the last thing you will want is to present a not so exciting gift. If you really want to make a great impression in the heart of the recipient, there won’t be a better choice than a Murano glass gift that brings with it a rich and ancient glass making tradition, made in Italy. So, what are the Murano glass items you can consider for presentation?

Before proceeding, it is important to let the novices know that all Murano glass objects are handcrafted by skilled artisans using century-old techniques and simple tools. These are never mass-produced and come with the signatures of the individual glass artists who create them. All the artworks reach their buyers with a certificate of authenticity to guarantee that they own an original Murano glass item.

There are a lot of ideas of great value for a Christmas gift, but the most usual and appreciated gifts for this occasionare the drinking glass sets blown made with millefiori, murrine, and gold. These lovely glasses can be used to drink water, wine, whiskey or limoncello. Christmas tree ornaments such as blown Murano glass balls and pendants are a plus.

Sculptures or statues can give you endless glass gift ideas for Christmas. From animals, birds and fishes to humans, you will be simply spoilt for choice! There are both small lamp worked objects and big figurines to present on Christmas. For animal lovers, a Murano glass sculpture is not to miss out at any cost! Choose from shining and colorful horses, bulls, deer, elephants, tigers, tortoises, seals, alligators, scorpions, rhinos, antelopes, and owls. For example, the bull sculpture handmade and signed by the glass master Andrea Tagliapietra features crystal glass and chalcedony. There is also the horse head sculpture in crystal glass and 24kt gold decoration to fascinate the recipient.

The Murano glass bird figurines include sparrows, parrots, pelicans, fighting roosters, ducks, swans, eagles, etc. Opt for the parrots in love sculpture in multiple hues. It is ground and polished by hand. If you’re looking for small glass gifts, then a Murano glass Christmas gondola, bottle stopper, fountain pen, paperweight, candlestick, or an elegant woman with hat can satisfy your need. There are also lots of abstract sculptures for interior design lovers. You can find an abstract collection paying rich tribute to the paintings of the great artist Picasso. Not just personal gifts, all of these blown glass figurines can prove to be excellent corporate glass gifts as well. By presenting these masterpieces on Christmas, you can instantly please your employees, business partners or customers.

Hence, visit OriginalMuranoGlass.com to shop for all of the above-mentioned modern and vintage Murano glass objects at one place. From glass Christmas balls and drinking glass sets to glass sculptures, the online store offers an array of gift options in each category. In the second part of this article, we’ll take a look at some other Murano glass artworks that can be presented on Christmas.