05｜Venetian Glass

2022/4/10

Hello!

It's the season for entrance ceremonies. In my generation, it was common to take photos in front of the entrance ceremony sign, carrying a randoseru backpack under a cherry tree. But now, at this time of year, the cherry trees have already shed their blossoms.

Is it global warming, or has time just sped up???

After glass manufacturing in the Roman Empire, the technology made a big leap forward in Venice, Italy. In the 13th century, Venice developed as the center of glass craftsmanship in Europe.

There are various theories as to why it developed in Venice, which had neither raw materials for glass nor fuel to burn. It is believed that the Venetian Republic, being a hub for East-West trade that brought products from Eastern countries to Europe, sought to gain wealth by manufacturing expensive and precious glass themselves, and by incorporating advanced techniques from the Roman Empire and Islamic civilizations.

Murano Island, where glass was manufactured, was strictly off-limits to prevent technology leakage and the production of counterfeit goods. On the other hand, craftsmen and their families living on the island were treated favorably and received rewards, while those who tried to escape were severely punished. As a result, manufacturing advanced in a confined area, and through intense competition and refinement of techniques, chandeliers and expensive glasses came to be produced.

Towards the end of the 13th century, glass began to be made by blowing. Venetian glass is characterized by enamel applied to the glass and fired, and gold decorations. It is said that diamond engraving became possible around this time. These were particularly favored by the aristocracy and were frequently used for chandeliers and wine glasses. Later, lace glass was also invented and became a representative work of Venetian glass.

During the Renaissance in the 15th and 16th centuries, the Venetian Republic reached the height of its prosperity, and its techniques can be seen in the "Hall of Mirrors" at the Palace of Versailles. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Venetian-style glass became extremely popular throughout Europe.

Murano Island is about a 10-minute vaporetto ride from Venice, and even today there are many glass workshops where visitors can observe and shop. The Glass Museum is a must-see, not only for Venetian glass but also for glass from around the world and its history. Many souvenirs are not Venetian glass, and many are made outside of Murano Island. Please be aware that genuine Murano glass will have a "Made in Murano" label.

Thank you for your feedback and comments.

I have changed the表記 from ガラス (garasu) to グラス (gurasu).

Kimoto Glass Co., Ltd. / KIMOTO GLASS TOKYO

Seiichi Kimoto