Lampshades made of real glass are of high quality and have a beautiful lighting effect. In addition, the material, which essentially consists of melted sand, is used as a decorative accessory, for example in chandeliers with sparkling crystal hangings. Murano glass is a particularly high-quality variant based on centuries-old artisanal tradition. Genuine Murano glass is produced exclusively on the small island of Murano off the coast of Venice. It captivates with its crystalline purity and beautiful colours: Murano glass lamps bring these out in an incomparable way.
A Particularly Beautiful Illumination with Murano Glass Lighting
Also the variety of delicate shapes is cause for admiration. Not all the secrets of Murano glass production techniques have been revealed, for the manufacturers are very strict about keeping their unique methods to themselves. In the 12th century, their workshops were still located in Venice itself, but as there was a considerable fire hazard from the hot fires of the melting furnaces, the glassblowers settled together on the small island. In the following centuries Murano was the European 'Mecca' of glass production. In 1450, the production of an absolutely pure, colourless glass, the so-called 'cristallo', succeeded for the first time; before that, glasses produced in Europe were mostly greenish in colour ('forest glass').
Not only Murano glass lamps, but also art objects of all kinds gain from the special effect of pure or intensely coloured glass. Meanwhile, there are many forgeries in circulation, so that you have to know a little to recognise genuine Murano glass. Even today, the glass manufacturers on Murano enjoy a worldwide reputation; three quarters of the 4,000 inhabitants are still engaged in the old tradition of handcrafting particularly high-quality glass.
Recognising Murano Glass
Genuine Murano glass must have been made on the island of Murano. Since 1980, every genuine Murano glass lamp has been accompanied by a certificate of authenticity; it should also be possible to identify the designer beyond doubt. Many Murano glassmakers mark their wares with a signature on the glass itself, for which they choose a very precisely defined spot. Fake signatures look to the trained eye as if they have been carved with a hard metal object after the glass has cooled. Murano glass catalogues provide precise information about unique signatures and certificates of authenticity. However, not only in the case of old pieces of jewellery with Murano glass produced before 1980, it is often ultimately only possible to have an expert recognise the Murano glass.
Fake Murano glass lamps often come from Italy, India or China. The former try to deceive unsuspecting customers by saying 'Made in Venice' or 'Italy'. The labelling as 'Murano Style' also suggests a cheap imitation. Indian fakes often lack colour intensity, while Chinese fakes usually appear too kitschy. Characteristic of traditionally mouth-blown originals are small, trapped air bubbles and irregularities that are only visible at second glance, especially in models with several layers of differently coloured glass.