Murano, 1291: the transfer that changed the fate of Glassmaking Art
T he transfer of the glassmaking furnaces to Murano in 1291 represented a crucial turning point for Venetian glassmaking art. This decision, made by the Great Council of the Serenissima, would shape the destiny of Murano and its glassmaking production for centuries to come.
The reasons behind the choice
The motivations that drove the Venetian authorities to opt for this transfer were manifold. Firstly, they wanted to reduce the risk of fires in the city, as the furnaces represented a constant threat to wooden houses. Furthermore, they aimed to concentrate production in a single area to facilitate control and regulation.
The impact on Glassmaking Art
The transfer to Murano had profound consequences on glassmaking art. The isolation of the island favored the secrecy of techniques and the maintenance of the “secrets” of the art within the Murano community. Moreover, the concentration of furnaces stimulated collaboration and exchange of knowledge among master glassmakers, leading to rapid progress in techniques and skills.
The Role of the Serenissima
The Republic of Venice played a key role in this process. Through a series of laws and decrees, the Serenissima protected and promoted the Muranese glassmaking industry, ensuring that it remained an exclusive of Venice. This institutional support was fundamental for the success and fame that Muranese glassmaking art would achieve in the following centuries.
A far-sighted choice
The decision to transfer the furnaces to Murano in 1291 proved to be a far-sighted choice. Thanks to this event, Murano became the beating heart of Venetian glassmaking art, a center of excellence that would give life to creations of extraordinary beauty and refinement, admired and sought after throughout the world.
