Where to begin? We've been working on a reference book for Murano Glass Perfumes for some time now, with the thought to have it published, or to self-publish. That may not happen anytime soon, so we'll start by posting information, opinions and photos. We'll respond to questions as we are able, and invite useful input from others. As we build this blog, readers may obtain additional detailed information from the descriptions of the many vintage Muranese vanity items shown in our Trocadero catalog here.
Our area and era of interest is art glass vanity items made on the island of Murano in the Venetian lagoon during the 50 year period from 1920 to 1970. A renaissance of Venetian glass artistry began on Murano in the second half of the 19th century with renewed interest in traditional techniques by Antonio Salviati and the brothers Toso. The enthusiasm spread through the great glassmaking families of Murano and, in the early 1920s Paolo Venini started a design revolution that produced the most spectacular era of art glass innovation and progress Murano has ever seen. That history is well-documented in the wealth of reference books available on 20th century Murano glass, so we won't pursue the details here.
for Venini ca 1933
Thoughts on Quality and Desirability
The tradition of glassmaking in the Venetian lagoon was always based upon the production of beautiful AND utilitarian items - decorative glass accessories for the home or palace. It was only in the 20th century that a very small percentage of Murano glass was produced purely as an art form, with little or no expectation of useful function. This fact has led many collectors, dealers and authors to the conclusion that Murano glass may be arbitrarily divided between museum quality items, and "glass of no significance and little interest". In his book, "Dino Martens - Muranese Glass Designer", Marc Heiremans comments on page 50, Perfume Bottles ca 1947, "Although not significant, these objects form a milestone in the factory's history." Those seem to us to be mutually exclusive thoughts.
We contend that this "either/or" distinction is deceptive and illusory. In fact, with very few exceptions, all glass produced on Murano was made for commercial gain, and the quality ran the gamut from pieces that are ethereally beautiful and made with amazing techniques, to those made as tourist trinkets that were cranked out by marginally competent workmen. It is also a fact that the major glass houses produced all manner of wares that were made using the same "amazing" techniques as some of the most sought-after, high-end pieces. So, is a beautiful two-color Polveri vase by Archimede Seguso "significantly" more important than the equally beautiful cologne bottle - shown below - produced in the same colors and techniques? We don't think so.
Polveri technique in a two-color aubergine and green cologne bottle
by the firm of Archimede Seguso ca 1954
Perfume and Glass
The relationship between perfumes, and glass containers to hold them, is as old as the history of glass itself. The earliest examples of handmade glass were often used for perfumed oils and unguents. Through the ages, costly perfumes have always been stored in glass bottles. The decorative value of this tradition is obvious, but the practical purpose of using a material that will not react with its' contents is just as important.
The glass used by the Muranese is high in potash, and is often referred to as "soft" glass. It has a broad, relatively low, temperature range in which it is elastic, making it ideal for intricate handworking. It is easily susceptible to chips, dings, and scratches, but less likely than the "flint" glasses to shatter. When formed into a bell shape, as a goblet, or a bowl shape, it usually does not "ring" when thumped, as the harder glasses will. Some might think that this softness makes it inferior to other glass, but we see it as merely different, and as having a set of properties that make it possible to produce colors, techniques, forms and decorations that are simply not possible in the harder glasses.
Vintage Murano Zanfirico Cologne Bottle
Maker Unknown ca 1950
