Pitcher. Murano, 20th century

Pitcher with spout. Murano, second half of the 20th century.
Blown Murano glass.
Provenance: Private collection, Spain between 1970-1990.
Measurements: 25 cm (height) x 9 cm (diameter).
This elegant decanter is entirely made of hand-blown Murano glass with an opaline finish in a gradient pink tone. The entire piece, with the exception of the foot, is delicately decorated in relief in the form of helicoidal gadroons.
The high value of Murano glass is explained by the artisanal and secret process of its manufacturers. Made on the Italian island of Murano, this glass has special properties and offers colours and shapes unlike any other glass. The history of Murano glass manufacturing dates back to the 8th century. By the 12th century Venice had become extremely popular for its fine glass. To keep the glass-making business unique and profitable, a law was passed in 1271 stating that no foreign glass could be imported for manufacture and no foreign glass workers could be hired. However, in the 13th century all glassmaking furnaces were moved by law from Venice to Murano, because the fires in them posed a great risk to the wooden structures of Venice. In combination, these two laws ensure that Murano glass is still unique today; created by artists and craftsmen from a small group of islands in Italy. The secrets of glass making have been passed down from father to son and from master to apprentice.