What would the world be without beautiful hand-blown glass chandeliers??  Well, it would be exactly the same except without glass chandeliers.  For those of you who think otherwise, this is for you.

I was inspired to write this piece by a friend of mine who has a beautiful one-of-a-kind hand blown glass chandelier in his foyer, similar to this one, which was featured in an article in Departures magazine:

Although the aesthetics of the contemporary Chihuly-looking piece attracted me, it also reminded me of the older Murano-style chandeliers, now antique, that once held this same “contemporary” title.  Both pieces blend well with both old-world and modern interiors.  There is a wonderful versatility to glass that is unmatched by furniture or color, which always tend to fall within a particular decade or trend.  Here we will explore the beauty and complexity of hand-blown and Murano chandeliers.

An instillation by Dale Chihuly at the Columbus Museum of Art, that would make an absolutely stunning and grand chandelier…

The Origins of Murano Glass -

Glass making can be traced back to Murano, Italy as far back as the 7th century (600’s).  The small Italian port island off the coast of Venice, Italy is still an attraction to glass artisans the world over.

The original glass makers of Murano held a high ranking status within society, similar to royalty.  Their children married into affluent families, they were allowed to carry swords by their side and they were immune to punishment of any sort.  This treatment attracted many residents of Murano, and other Venetian cities, into the glass making business.  By the 12th century more than 3,000 of Murano’s 5,000 inhabitants were involved in the glass industry.

Here is an example of the delicate and intricate work of Murano glass artisans from the early 1900’s.  As you can see lighting is not all the Murano glass artisans are know for.  Here is a pair of beautiful Murano Blackamoor figurines valued at $3,000…

Murano Chandeliers Today -

Although Murano glass is all around us, the most recognizable pieces of Murano work is their very unique chandeliers.  Easily identified by many, the Murano chandeliers range from 3 light to 35 light and come in solid colors, such as white, smoke, red, and black.  Murano glass chandeliers are also some of the most duplicated chandeliers, being mass reproduced in China and sold through retailers around the world.

Above is an example of a modern Murano chandelier.  This beautiful champagne-colored, six-arm chandelier is manufactured by the well known furniture company Baker.

A “Pretty in Pink” 1960’s pendant chandelier with hand blown glass petals.  Upon closer look one will notice the individual hanging “petals” which help to make this piece look like a rare flower.  This piece is attributed to Mazzega or Murano, Italy (c. 1960).

A more modern version of Mezzega’s piece above.  I love the two-tone, hanging shields that make up this pandant.  It is remarkably chic and urban.  The perfect location for this is in a stark, concrete-filled loft space hanging with an identical twin avove a dining table or concrete-topped kitchen island.  Can you see it??

Perhaps the most colorful Murano chandelier EVER!!

A chic, contemporary, two-tiered, clear Murano glass chandelier with cobalt drops and cobalt silk shades.

A cleverly designed hotel lobby with a neutral palate and a bold plum color statement with matching upholstery fabric and Murano glass chandeliers.

Murano Table Lamps -

Although the Murano lighting tradition began with beautiful and often ornate chandeliers, the onset of electricity brought a need for table top lighting.  A growing trend not overlooked by Murano glass artisans, beautiful Murano glass table lamps were created.

Here is an example of a very rare vintage (1950’s), Art Deco, Barovier Venetian lantern form pair of lamps, which are valued at $8,400 for the pair.

In stark contrast, here is a newer, “Modern” if you will, Murano glass leaf table lamp with gold accents available through the retail supply chain Global Views.

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