The Roots of Murano
The art of Murano glass making can trace its roots as far as the tenth century when the craft was developed by artisans from the Roman founded settlement of Murano, located in the Venetian Lagoon, northern Italy.
Venetian glass, aka Murano glass, is created using a sodium-based formula which takes longer to cool and set, rather than the quick-cooling, lead-based formula used in making crystal, making it the perfect medium to create the more complex designs that it eventually became synonymous with.
In 1291, fearing fire from glass makers' furnaces would lead to the eventual destruction of Venice’s wooden infrastructure, the Venetian Republic ordered all glass makers to relocate to the islands of Murano. This not only turned the islands into the epicentre of the craft, but also ensured that the area held a monopoly on the industry that would endure for centuries.
Murano Maestri, or master glass makers, developed more progressively intricate techniques including developing optically clear glass, enamelled glass (smalto), glass with threads of gold (aventurine), multicoloured glass (millefiori) and milk glass (lattimo), methods that are still exhibited to this day.
Although the Venetians guarded the secrets of their trade vigorously in an attempt to hold their expertise within the area, this was inevitably compromised with the advent of immigration and glass makers moved from the region to areas such as England and the Netherlands, taking their knowledge with them. This led to a decline in the industry in the 1800s as pieces became less exclusive and more readily available to the continental populace. However, the incorporation of Venice into Italy in the 1860s saw a revival in demand for true Murano glass pieces, peaking in 1878 when the Venetian Maestri were the toast of Paris' Exposition Universelle.
Today, Murano is home to the Museo del Vetro or Murano Glass Museum in the Palazzo Giustinian, and the oldest established Murano glass factory, Pauly & C. – Compagnia Venezia Murano, founded in 1866, is still active in the town, as are many of the most famous studios including Venini, Barovier & Toso and Seguso.
Credit: Katherine Windish
A.V. Mazzega & Carlo Nason
Founded by Angelo Vittorio Mazzega in Murano, Italy in 1946, A.V. Mazzega holds a highly esteemed reputation within the glass working field. Known for their masterful techniques, stylistically original designs and collaborations with world renowned designers, they have become a leader within the lighting and glass working industries.
In the 1960’s the company pivoted towards manufacturing more modern items, focusing primarily on lighting pieces. Under the guidance of A.V. Mazzega’s children, Lidia and Gianni Bruno Mazzega, the company's name became the byword for high quality, forward thinking designs. It was during their initial tenure that Gianni Bruno recognised the exceptional talent held by their neighbour, Carlo Nason.
Born in Murano in 1935, Carlo Nason came from one of the oldest and most well established families of glassmakers on the island. Throughout childhood he attended the workshops of Maestri who worked in the family furnace, V. Nason & C which was founded by his father Vincenzo Nason, organically learning the trade to become a Maestri himself.
Starting his career in the 1950s by creating more traditional glass designs for the family studio, his collaboration with A.V. Mazzega began in 1965, a partnership which allowed Nason to explore and develop stylistically and resulted in many of the company's most successful and celebrated designs such as wall scones, floor lamps and chandeliers.
Throughout their collaboration, Nason meticulously oversaw the production process end to end; from sketching the initial design to kiln work and testing of metal fixtures, a level of dedication rarely seen amongst designers of his peerage.
Carlo Nason’s defining style is visible in both the quality and design of his pieces, principles that made him an ideal collaborator with Mazzega. Each item is made from hand blown Murano glass to ensure longevity and uniqueness. His pioneering aesthetic choices, such as coupling avant-garde, geometric shapes with heritage artisanal crafting techniques and balancing space age silhouettes with vivid colour palettes, produced timeless works of art that have become highly collectable within the world of mid century modern home interiors.
In 2015, Carlo Nason was honoured by the Triennale di Milano, who dedicated a solo exhibition to his work, with many items featured being those of the Mazzega collaboration, crowning Nason as one of Murano’s most important post-war designers. His creations currently feature in several major museum collections, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Corning Museum of Glass in New York, which owns an extensive collection of his work including some of his earliest original works from the late 1950s.
As for A.V. Mazzega, now renamed Mazzega1946, the venerated company remains true to its roots under the directorship of A.V. Mazzega’s grandson, Andrea Mazzega. The company studio is still located on the island of Murano and has successfully harnessed its iconic heritage by continuing to champion new talent through collaborations with contemporary international designers, producing steadfastly premium Murano wear that stands the test of time.
Credit: Vintrovia
Sourcing Murano
So how do you spot a true Murano item? Unlike deciphering crystal pieces, you have to go with your eyes over your ears as Murano doesn’t ‘ping’ when tapped, despite its delicacy.
One pivotal element to look for is a certain ‘lightness’ to the glass. If a piece looks solid, yet feels half of the weight you'd expect then there’s a good chance that it's Murano.
Focus on developing an eye for design elements rather than dating a piece or looking for designer signatures as many Murano designers such as Venini used acid stamping which unfortunately smudges over time to become illegible.
Consider the colours and shapes used, as leading mid century designers often share common features like shapes or colours. Look for tones such as warm amber, cobalt blue or pastel hues, which feature regularly amongst Murano glass work as it admits more light than regular glass, therefore showcasing the brilliancy of colour to best effect.
Lastly, the devil is in the details when it comes to Murano. The more intricate a shape, such as zanfirico which is a twisted glass rod formation or an unusual a texture like bubbles (as seen in our Striped Wall Sconce) or specs of real gold or silver in the glass, the easier it is to determine if the piece is real as lead based glass sets too quickly to produce malleable works. This is also why Murano pieces are of significantly higher value than your average glass wear and why so many aficionados collect and invest in these items.
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