Fornace Mian: reinventing the tradition of Murano glass
In the heart of the Venetian island, Fornace Mian stands as a witness to a history that has its roots in the distant past. Simone Mian, the current owner of the company, welcomes us to what may have been the site of the first furnace in Murano. A place steeped in history that continues to breathe innovation and creativity.
From past to present: the evolution of an art
Founded in 1962, Fornace Mian has gone through decades of changes, adapting to market challenges without ever losing its identity. Simone recalls with a mix of nostalgia and pride the times when the company had over 100 employees in the furnace department. Today, although the size has changed, the entrepreneurial spirit and passion for glass remain intact.
The art of reinventing: Design and Hospitality
The strength of Fornace Mian lies in its ability to skillfully blend the craftsmanship handed down over the centuries with cutting-edge creative thinking. The company’s portfolio ranges from lighting collections to objects, each piece a unique work of art that combines tradition and innovation. Simone Mian has also been able to reinvent the spaces of the furnace, opening a small refreshment point adjacent to the workshop.
Simone Mian has also been able to reinvent the spaces of the furnace, opening a small refreshment point adjacent to the workshop. This welcoming space offers visitors a place to relax before or after visiting the furnace, creating an atmosphere that combines the art of glassmaking with Venetian conviviality.
Prestigious collaborations: excellence with Bulgari
In the field of design, Fornace Mian stands out for high-level collaborations. Particularly significant is the partnership with Bulgari, which has given life to extraordinary creations in the world of luxury perfumery.
For the Bulgari Le Gemme Murano collection, Fornace Mian has created limited edition ampoules that hold precious fragrances. Each bottle is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, the result of a sophisticated technique that involves the superimposition of six layers of glass. This process creates unique plays of transparency and shades, making each piece a numbered work of art.
The collaboration reached its peak with Bulgari’s “L’Opera Grandiosa“. The bottle, mouth-blown by the masters of Fornace Mian, features an amethyst effect that evokes the high jewelry creations of the Roman fashion house. Embellished with 18-carat gold and colored gems, this masterpiece represents the perfect fusion between Venetian glassmaking art and the excellence of high jewelry, embodying the union between two artisanal traditions of excellence.
Looking to the future
Simone Mian looks to the future with realism and determination. Aware of the challenges that Murano glassmaking art must face, from the scarcity of new artisans to global competition, he continues to invest in training and innovation. His vision is clear: to keep the tradition alive by adapting it to contemporary needs.
Fornace Mian today represents an example of how tradition can evolve without losing its essence. Each creation that comes from this furnace is not only a design object, but a piece of history that continues to live, bringing the magic of Murano glass into the world of contemporary luxury.
Website: fornacemian.com
