Precious Art By Precious People

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When I saw Robert Mauro’s painting I immediately reflected upon the most magical city in the world: Venice. One cannot think of Venice without thinking of Murano glass. Tennessee Williams poignant play, “The Glass Menagerie” centers around Laura, a shy girl who has a glass collection symbolizing how fragile she is. I always felt a connection to this character and have been collecting Venetian glass for many years. Many of you may know that the island of Murano in Venice is very famous for its glass factories and the art of glass blowing. In fact it is difficult to walk anywhere through what many call the maze of the city of Venice (there are no cars, just canals and boats) without seeing glass shops everywhere.

Venetian glass was developed in the thirteenth century and toward the end of that century, the center of the Venetian glass industry moved to Murano where some of the most important brands of glass like Pauly, Seguso and Vernini are still produced in the historical glass factories on Murano.

My collection consists of many pieces of Venetian glass in the shapes of blown glass candies, fruits, dancers, horses and unicorns and many little tiny “families” where there is a larger “mother” and smaller pieces of the same family surrounding her.

I also have a collection of fine Venetian mosaic necklaces and bracelets. The mosaic beads are of all shapes, sizes and lengths. When buying mosaic beads make sure you get the quality ones which are strung with threads (not plastic) as pictured below:

My favorite pieces are the black glass dancers. I discovered this little shop many years ago owned by Gianni Camuffo San Marco 4992 Calle delle Acque, Venezia, tel. 041/ 5202496. In my many visits to Venezia I have never found these pieces duplicated. He also has an exquisite display of glass fountain pens and amazing glass insects.

Do any of you collect glass or have other unique collections?
My Glass Menagerie is not so little anymore. It’s so difficult to not reach for these beautiful pieces displayed glistening in the sun wherever you go in Venice. Happy shopping!

Have a wonderful weekend and thank you Robert Mauro for bringing me back again to the most romantic city on earth.

Have a wonderful weekend and I’ll see you next Tuesday.
-Maria

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