|
ABOUT MURANO GLASS
Including information on Murano, scorpion marks & rare clowns
All Murano glass is made in Murano, a small island North West of the city of Venice, Italy - an island dedicated to glass production. Murano glass is handmade with passion and skill using instruments and techniques that have been used for many centuries. It is world-renowned for being colorful, elaborate, and skillfully made.
Even though the Venetians had to import their raw materials, glass production flourished and Murano soon became the world leader in its field. By 1291 the number of furnaces in the wood-built city was so great that the industry was moved to the neighbouring island of Murano, officially because of the fire hazard. In reality, this allowed the Venetians to protect their monopoly on quality glass production; and the glass-makers were virtual prisoners, threatened with death should they ever attempt to leave Murano and spill their secrets.
By incorporating Eastern glass techniques and effectively running a closed shop until the 17th century, the Venetians were able to advance the industry to such an extent that nobody could come close to imitating it. Until, that is, Louis XIV persuaded the craftsmen of Murano to work on his palace at Versailles, whereupon their secrets finally came out.
Soon other countries were making glass objects cheaper and faster. But the Murano glass-workers were resourceful, and by the mid-19th century they were at the top of their game once again. Their vases and chandeliers, mirrors and lights were fit for a queen: Queen Elizabeth II, in fact, who visited Murano in 1961 and went away with a sackload of glass!
The process of making Murano glass is a complex one. Most Murano glass art is made using the lampworking technique. The glass is made from silica which becomes a liquid at high temperatures. As the glass passes from a liquid to a solid, there is an interval when the glass is soft allowing its creator to make some of the world's most unique and beatifully designed glass art.
Scorpion Marks
Sellers of Murano clowns, especially on Ebay, often make reference to scorpion marks. You will find many clowns with these marks however they have no bearing to a clown’s worth whatsoever and are simply a mark that is left behind when the glass is removed from the rod.
*Glassmakers use a rod to hold hot glass and then blow it out to desired shape. Sometimes the mold lines are polished out especially on better quality pieces, but often traces of the mold lines can be seen. This is what has become known as the so-called 'Scorpion Mark'.
Further information
There were literally thousands upon thousands of Murano glass Clowns made but the rarer pieces, and the ones highly sought after by collectors, are those made by the likes of Barbini and Venini. Black or white faced clowns are also quite rare and a lovely addition to any collection. Look out for clowns that appear well made and pay attention to detail. The more detailed or unusual the clown, the more it's likely to be worth. Clowns come in all sorts of wonderful designs, shapes and sizes some of which you will see on this site.
If you would like to add any of your clown photographs to this site please email me louise@muranoclowns.co.uk
Here are some examples of great collectors' pieces.
   
   
   
  
Above image (left) courtesy of Antique Helper. Click on the photo to visit the site.
|
