Murano glass art: All about the tradition from Venice's famous island

The island Murano is just a short boat ride from Venice’s center, but its importance to the history of craftsmanship is immense. For over seven centuries this small piece of land in the Venetian lagoon has been the undisputed world center for glass art. Here is the complete story of Murano glass – from the first furnaces to today’s designs.

The island Murano: The capital of glass

Murano is not just one island – it is actually a collection of seven small islands connected by bridges. With only about 5,000 residents it is an intimate community where glassblowing is not just a profession, but an identity. Many families can trace their ties to the glass industry back centuries.

Today the island still hosts numerous glass workshops, from large factories to small family-run ateliers. Tourists flock to see the masters at work, and the famous Museo del Vetro (Glass Museum) documents the long history of the tradition.

Glass art techniques

Murano glassblowers have developed a range of techniques over the centuries that are still used – and still impress – today. Here are the most important:

Soffiato (glassblowing)

The most fundamental technique. The master gathers molten glass on a long iron rod and blows air in to create a hollow form. It sounds simple, but controlling the glass’s shape, thickness, and symmetry requires years of practice. This technique is central to the production of Murano pendants and plafonds.

Millefiori ("a thousand flowers")

One of Murano’s most famous techniques. Thin glass rods with colored patterns in cross-section are cut into thin slices that resemble flowers seen from above. These slices are arranged and fused into a single piece. The technique originated in ancient Egypt but was perfected on Murano.

Sommerso ("submerged")

A technique where layers of colored glass are encapsulated in clear glass. The result is depth and intensity of color unique to this method. The glass appears to have color floating within the material.

Filigrana (filigree pattern)

Thin threads of colored or white glass are embedded in clear glass in intricate patterns – spirals, nets, and waves. It is one of the most technically demanding techniques and can be seen in the finest Murano pieces.

Avventurina ("adventure glass")

By adding copper flakes to the glass mass, a glass with sparkling metallic particles is created. When light hits the glass, it glitters like a starry sky. The technique was discovered by accident (hence the name) in the 17th century.

A Canna (candy/swirl)

The technique behind the Vetro’s Candy lamps. Colored glass rods (cane) are arranged and fused with clear glass, then twisted and blown up to create the characteristic swirl patterns. The result is organic, lively, and always unique.

Historical development

Middle Ages (1291–1400)

When the glass workshops were moved to Murano in 1291, a new era began. Glassblowers were granted special privileges – they could carry swords, were exempt from certain taxes, and their daughters could marry into the nobility. In return they were forbidden to leave the island and take the secrets with them. The punishment for fleeing? In theory: death.

Renaissance (1400–1600)

Murano’s golden age. Angelo Barovier invented "cristallo" – extremely clear glass that revolutionized the industry. Murano glass became a luxury item adorning European royal courts, and the island’s masters invented technique after technique.

Competition and hardship (1600–1800)

Other European countries began producing their own glass – often by luring Murano masters away with promises of wealth. Bohemia (Czechia) and England became serious competitors, and Murano’s dominance weakened. But the tradition survived.

Revival (1800–1900)

In the mid-19th century Murano experienced a renaissance. Dive deeper into the complete 700-year history. The Toso brothers and other factories revived old techniques, and new artists brought fresh energy to the craft. The Glass Museum opened in 1861 and gathered historical masterpieces for inspiration.

Modern times (1900–today)

In the 20th century Murano workshops collaborated with major designers like Carlo Scarpa, Gio Ponti, and Ettore Sottsass. Glass moved from pure craft to recognized art. Today the tradition continues with new designs – such as Vetro’s Candy series – proving that 700 years of craftsmanship is still relevant.

How to recognize genuine Murano glass

With Murano’s popularity unfortunately comes copies. Here’s how to ensure you buy the real thing:

Official certification

Genuine Murano glass may be accompanied by a "Vetro Artistico Murano" certificate, issued by the regional authority in Veneto. This is the most reliable guarantee of authenticity.

Physical characteristics

• Weight: Genuine Murano glass feels substantial – neither too heavy nor too light
• Colors: The colors are integrated into the glass, not applied to the surface
• Small variations: Perfectly uniform glass is machine-made – genuine Murano glass has subtle, charming variations
• Quality: Despite the variations, the overall finish is of high quality

Buy from trusted sources

The safest way to guarantee authenticity is to buy from established retailers with direct relationships to Murano workshops. At Vetro we design the lamps’ appearance ourselves and have them crafted in direct collaboration with the workshops, and we can vouch for every single piece we sell.

Murano glass art in the future

The tradition faces challenges. The number of active glassblowers has declined, and young people often choose other career paths. But there is also hope: new design collaborations, increased global interest, and a growing awareness of the value of craftsmanship keep the tradition alive.

At Vetro we see ourselves as part of this preservation. When you buy a Murano lamp from us, you support not just a beautiful piece of design – you support a living, sustainable tradition that has existed for over 700 years.

Want to see and feel the difference? Visit our showroom in Copenhagen, or explore our collection online. Also read about who we are.