Murano glass: 700 years of history from Venice’s famous island

The story of Murano glass is one of secrets, power, beauty, and survival. For over 700 years, the glassblowers on the small island in the Venetian lagoon have created glass coveted by kings, artists, and design lovers around the world. It is a tradition that survived wars, epidemics, and the industrial revolution — and today lives on in modern designs like the Vetros Candy lamps.

The beginning: Venice’s glassblowers (before 1291)

Venice’s glass industry already existed in the 10th century. Glassblowers were organized into powerful guilds and produced everything from windows to goblets. But glassmaking was a dangerous business — the furnaces ran around the clock at extremely high temperatures, and the densely packed city of wooden houses was constantly at risk of fire.

The workshops were also a source of wealth and secrets. Venetian glassblowers knew techniques that the rest of Europe could only dream of, and Venice’s rulers were determined to keep them under control.

The move to Murano (1291)

In 1291, the Venetian Senate issued a decree ordering all glass workshops to move to the island of Murano. The official reason was fire safety — and that was a real concern. But the real motivation was control.

By gathering all the glassblowers on one island, the authorities could:

• Monitor production and prevent espionage
• Ensure trade secrets remained within the republic
• Control the export of this lucrative product
• Reward — and punish — glassblowers more effectively

The Golden Age: Murano’s masters (1400–1600)

The following centuries became Murano’s absolute golden age. Glassblowers enjoyed extraordinary privileges:

• They were granted noble titles and entered Venice’s "Libro d'Oro" (the Golden Book)
• Their daughters could marry into the nobility
• They were exempt from certain taxes
• They had the right to carry swords

But freedom came at a price. Glassblowers were effectively prisoners on the island. Leaving Murano without permission was forbidden, and taking glassmaking secrets abroad was considered treason. According to legend, Venice’s secret police sent assassins after masters who fled.

The major inventions

Competition between Murano’s workshops — and the rewards for innovation — drove an explosion of new techniques:

• Cristallo (c. 1450): Angelo Barovier invented a method for producing nearly perfectly clear glass — a revolution in an era when most glass was greenish or brownish
• Lattimo (c. 1475): Milky-white, opaque glass resembling Chinese porcelain
• Filigrana (1500s): Intricate patterns of white and colored glass threads encased in clear glass
• Millefiori (perfected 1500s): The "thousand flowers" technique using colored glass rods sliced in cross-section
• Avventurina (c. 1600): Glass with sparkling copper particles, discovered by accident

Setbacks and competition (1600–1800)

From the 17th century, Murano’s monopoly began to crumble. Despite prohibitions, many glassblowers managed to flee to other countries, where they established new glass industries:

• France: Refugees from Murano founded workshops that later developed into the famous French glass and crystal tradition
• Bohemia (Czech Republic): The development of Bohemian crystal, which became a serious competitor
• England: George Ravenscroft invented lead glass in 1676, which was clearer and more durable

The industrial revolution made mass production possible, and hand-blown glass lost its position as the only source of quality glass. The number of active workshops on Murano fell dramatically.

Revival and modernism (1850–1960)

In the mid-19th century, a conscious revival of the Murano tradition began. Key figures included:

Antonio Salviati (1816–1890)

A lawyer turned glass entrepreneur. Salviati founded a workshop that revived Renaissance techniques and exported Murano glass worldwide. His restoration of the mosaics in St. Mark’s Basilica brought renewed attention to Murano’s craftsmanship.

Paolo Venini (1895–1959)

Venini revolutionized Murano glass by inviting modern artists and designers to collaborate with the glassblowers. His factory, Venini S.p.A., became a laboratory for innovation where tradition met the avant-garde.

Carlo Scarpa (1906–1978)

One of the 20th century’s great architects worked as artistic director for Venini in the 1930s and 1940s. Scarpa developed new techniques and colors that pushed the boundaries of what Murano glass could be.

Murano today

Today, Murano glass is recognized as one of the world’s finest craft traditions. The island attracts millions of tourists annually, and the best Murano pieces are sold to collectors and design lovers globally.

But the tradition also faces challenges:

• Fewer young apprentices: It takes 7–10 years to train a master glassblower, and many young people choose other career paths
• Cheap copies: Mass-produced glass from China and other countries is wrongly sold as "Murano glass"
• Rising costs: Energy, materials, and living costs on the island make production more expensive

But there are reasons for optimism. New design collaborations, increased global awareness of the value of craftsmanship, and a growing market for authentic, sustainable luxury give Murano new opportunities.

From Murano to your home

At Vetro we are proud to be part of this chain — from the first glassblowers in Venice over 700 years ago to the lamp that lights your home today. Our Candy lamps are made with the same fundamental techniques that Murano’s masters developed in the Renaissance, but in designs that suit modern Scandinavian homes.

When you turn on your Murano lamp, you become part of the story.

Explore our collection and find your piece of 700 years of tradition. Learn more about Murano glassmaking techniques, or visit our showroom.