Antique handmade mirror. The body of the mirror is decorated with flowers and ornaments made of Murano glass. Italy, XX century

Murano is the seven islands of the Venetian lagoon, which have gained popularity due to the production of unique glass. The secret of making pure colored glass remained a secret for a long time due to the special conditions created by the authorities for the craftsmen and the constant surveillance of the main keepers of the secrets of “transparent gold”. Already at the end of the 13th century, the craftsmen moved from Venice to the island of Murano and became the official suppliers of the kings. Murano glass was distinguished by its purity and transparency: transparent glass was valued on a par with precious stones. Murano glass enjoyed world fame in the period from the 14th to the 17th centuries, then the fashion for it began to fade away. The revival of traditions took place in the middle of the 19th century. Nowadays, Murano glass chandeliers adorn the interiors of the most luxurious hotels, houses and residences in the world.