| For centuries, glass making has been a popular | | | | progressed, so did the glassmakers' integration of |
| form of art expression. As far back as the 10th | | | | colors, patterns and other elements into the glass |
| century, we are able to find records of Venetian | | | | art. |
| Glass being made in Venice, Italy. Most of the | | | | By the late 1700's, Germany and England had |
| glass was made on the small island of Murano, but | | | | learned the secret of Venetian Glass Art, and |
| as the centuries progressed, so did the | | | | they each developed their own glass recipes. |
| widespread manufacture of this beautiful and | | | | Germany had a more thick and durable kind of |
| admired art. | | | | glass available to them, and glassmakers began |
| The original purpose of making of Venetian Glass | | | | the art of engraving and artistic cutting of glass. |
| was to enhance and beautify the local churches | | | | In later years, Germany became well known for |
| on the island, and eventually churches around the | | | | their delicate and intricate form of "baroque" style |
| country. Artistic glass windows and doors were | | | | designs. |
| the attraction of many churches, thus making the | | | | Into the 1800's, England began to use their own |
| need for Venetian Glass a fairly large one. | | | | lead glass, which was found more prominently in |
| Exportation of this highly prized artistic glass was | | | | the area, and was a softer and more |
| the main income of the private island of Murano, | | | | incandescent type of glass. It was also found to |
| and therefore, glassmakers were forbidden to | | | | be more durable than the original cristallo glass |
| share the secret of Venetian Glass creation. | | | | found in Murano. England later became known for |
| The type of glass found by the Venetians on this | | | | their famous and highly requested English cut-glass |
| island was generally referred to as "cristallo", and | | | | chandeliers. |
| was a hard, soda glass of great flexibility. It was | | | | By the 19th and 20th centuries, glass making had |
| transparent and had little to no color, resembling | | | | become an art known across the globe for it's |
| the qualities of crystal. The original Venetian Glass | | | | limitless possibilities in the creation of art. America, |
| art pieces were created for ornamental purposes, | | | | among other countries, began to manufacture |
| and were quite simple. Subtle enhancements such | | | | glass by way of mechanical pressing. Now a |
| as small jewels or fancy enamel designs were all | | | | household item and known around the world as a |
| that accented the exquisite glass. As time | | | | form of art expression. |