Murano Glass - what makes it so collectable?

Collecting Murano Glass - what makes it sointerior lighting such as Table lamps, wall sconces and
collectable?Floor lamps.  To museum quality modern
Well, lets explain it in simplistic terms and it really isinterpretations of centuries old designs such as hand
simple - it is the very best Art glass anywhere in thepainted Veronese vases decorated with 24 carat
world!  This seems like a bold and pretty stronggold and sumptuously painted cartouches depticing
statement to make but it is the only one that fits. Italian, Roman and 18th century lovers.  Other
Since the late 13th century, Murano Glass blowersdesigns such as classical Murano glass art such as
skilled in the exceptionally difficult art of blown glassblown glass ships based on 16th century Italian
have been producing some of the most exquisite andvessels.  
highly decorative glass made anywhere in the world. Murano glass and crystal chandeliers include styles
The King of Italy in the very early years deliberatelysuch as the Classical chandelier, Ca Rezzonico
locked away the Murano master glass blowers on thisChandelier, Retro chandelier, Opaline chandelier, Floral
island for fear of loosing the techniques and skills ofchandelier, Fruit chandelier and more.  Having a
his artisans to rival artists and countries. Very earlyMurano glass chandelier in your home make and
on, companies and styles of Murano Art Glassindelible statement of superior quality and world class
became popular and exported all over the world. reputation.  Techniques that you will find include
The most recognisable of these was a style calledIncalmo, Filligrana, Murrine, Coroso, Battuto and
FACON DE VENISE of the 16th and 17th centuries,more.  The difficulty and time it takes to truly
with exceptionally delicate stemmed goblets andmaster these techniques is something that only time
glassware that now, are some ofthe rarest and mostcan provide.  This is why a glass blower will only
collected of any style of Murano glass.  earn the title of Maestro after his or her lengthy
Just why is it so difficult to make Murano glass? Well,apprenticeship and thousand of hours molding,
if you consider that in order to be given the title ofblowing, shaping and creating the most exquisite
Maestro or Master Glass blower, you must serve apieces of art glass you will find on the planet.  
minimum of 15 years and up to 20 before you areSome of the more established Murano glass blowing
even considered for this most elusive and highlycompanies to look for are VENINI, Salviati and
regarded title.  The secrets and modern techniquesBarovier and Toso.  Their are Maestros such as Lina
of the modern Murano maestro are still kept highlyTagliapietra, Afro Celotto, Luca Vidal, Oscar Zanetti
secret with the composition of the glass, kilnand Arnaldo Zanella who produce limited edition and
temperatures and other information kept close toone-off pieces that can never be reproduced due to
the chests of the various companies that producethe exceptional difficulty of creating just one piece. 
this most brilliant of any hand blown glass in theThe range of skill and technical expertise of not only
world.  the centuries old glass blower, but also the Modern
The range and diversity of what is available in MuranoMurano master glass blower is a set of techniques
glass is simply only limited by ones imagination. Fromthat deserve and command the very highest of
Horses to Fish, Vases, Jewelry, Chandeliers andaccolades.