| Glass as we know it has been around since about | | | | (typically 2). Sommerso was first formed in Murano |
| 3500 BC, though many more ancient cultures used | | | | during the late thirties and made popular by Seguso |
| natural occurring glass called obsidian (found in lava | | | | d'Arte in the fifties. This process is a popular technique |
| rock) for sharp implements and weapons. Cups, | | | | for vases. |
| goblets, plates and other useful objects, made of glass, | | | | Many of the styles of Venetian art glass are made |
| came into such common use around 630-650 BC that | | | | with flecks of some precious metals, gemstones and |
| it replaced pottery in popularity. | | | | enameled glass. These techniques of making Venetian |
| Murano glass is high quality Italian art glass | | | | glass gave immense popularity to these glass products |
| manufactured on the island of Murano off the coast of | | | | and they dominated the market with superior quality |
| Venice. These glass products are world famous for | | | | until about the sixteenth century AD when the |
| being colorful, beautifully designed, and crafted by the | | | | processes migrated to other parts of Europe. Today |
| master craftsmen of Murano. Italian art glass started in | | | | these glass products, while produced largely in Italy, |
| the Venice area around the seventh century AD and, | | | | can be found in many parts of the world, though Italy |
| since the thirteenth century AD, these experts have | | | | and other European countries still enjoy dominance. |
| been famous for their amazing glass designing | | | | Italian art glass today is not your grandmother's |
| techniques. Every year, experts from all over the | | | | elaborate dust catcher. It can be seen in products that |
| world visit the island of Murano to learn the secrets of | | | | include: |
| glass designing from these masters of the craft. | | | | Amazing range hoods in a variety of modern |
| Venetian glass is very clear and pure. The artisans | | | | shapes to compliment contemporary kitchens |
| usually give blends of color, in a variety of ways, to | | | | Striking counter tops that flow from one end to the |
| these products. You can find this glass in clear, solid or | | | | other and are durable as any stone |
| multicolored design pieces. A famous type of Venetian | | | | Table top lamps, sparkling chandeliers and wall |
| glass is lattimo. Lattimo, which is opaque, was given the | | | | sconces are other examples of the incredible art and |
| name 'milk glass' in the U.S. around the beginning of the | | | | craftsmanship of the Murano glass makers |
| twentieth century and until the advent of World War II | | | | Italian art glass can be seen in solid geometric |
| enjoyed immense popularity as a status symbol in | | | | forms used to decorate walls for kitchens, bathrooms |
| more well to-do households. Milk glass made at the | | | | and hallways also in mosaics |
| turn of the twentieth century into the 1930s has | | | | Exquisite, contemporary vases and sculptures are |
| become a collector's item, even though it is still | | | | available to compliment most every home whether the |
| manufactured in the U.S. today. | | | | décor style is traditional, sleek modern, warm |
| Other types of Italian art glass include colorful millefiori | | | | country, casual cottage, Tuscan or most any other |
| (thousand flowers), enameled glass, crystalline glass, | | | | mode of home décor. They also make wonderful |
| aventurine, and sommerso which is a form of artistic | | | | gifts whether it's a figurine or a vase filled with flowers |
| Murano glass that has layers of contrasting colors | | | | to compliment the recipient's taste. |