Facts about Venetian Glass

1. 05

   Venetian glass artisans historically guarded their techniques so zealously that the Republic of Venice threatened deserting glassmakers with death if they shared secrets abroad.

   Venetian GlassJun 7sharehistorycraftrenaissance
2. 04

   Cristallo, an exceptionally clear and colorless glass developed by Venetian glassmakers, was among the most prized and imitated luxury materials in Renaissance Europe.

   Venetian GlassJun 7sharecraftrenaissanceluxury
3. 03

   The glassblowing technique known as filigrana, which embeds twisted threads of white or colored glass within clear glass, was developed by Venetian glassmakers during the 16th century.

   Venetian GlassJun 7sharecraftrenaissancetechnique
4. 02

   A signature technique of Venetian glass, millefiori involves bundling colored glass rods together, fusing them, and slicing them to reveal intricate flower-like cross-section patterns.

   Venetian GlassJun 7sharecrafttechniquerenaissance
5. 01

   Murano island, near Venice, became the legally mandated home of Venetian glass production in 1291, when the government ordered glassmakers to relocate there.

   Venetian GlassJun 7sharehistorycraftitaly