A Palatial Statement: Rare 19th-Century Murano Glass Chandelier

Exceptional 19th-Century Murano Glass Chandelier

As the trend for home improvements continues, Nicholas Wells Antiques is delighted to present one of our masterpieces: a rare and magnificent 19th-century Murano glass chandelier. The vivid green, blue, and red hues are characteristic of Murano™s exquisite craftsmanship, achieved through centuries-old techniques. Minerals are melted with the glass to create these colours cobalt for blue, gold for red, and iron for green. The multi-coloured glass technique, known as chalcedony, was developed in the 15th century by master artisan Angelo Barovier.

Murano, an island in Venice, has been synonymous with glassmaking since the 13th century. Venetian glass is created by melting and moulding, unlike cut crystal, and involves a team of artisans working in unison. The craft demands immense physical skill and endurance, with glassblowers working beside furnaces reaching 3,000 degrees.

For centuries, the Venetian glass guild guarded its production secrets, with severe penalties for betrayal. Napoleon closed the factories, but the 19th century saw a revival that cemented Murano™s place in the art market. Today, Murano glass remains highly prized worldwide.

The Covid-19 pandemic made Murano glass rarer than ever, with tourism halted and furnaces shut down. Even now, the intricate process requires close teamwork, limiting production. Glass studios worldwide, such as London Glassblowing in Bermondsey, showcase the craft, but authentic Murano remains unmatched.

This chandelier is a splendid example of Murano artistry from the 19th century. Measuring 210 cm high by 140 cm wide, it is composed of floral and foliate glass elements. Originally candle-lit, it has been sympathetically adapted for electric lighting. Even unlit, its glass refracts ambient light, creating a glistening centrepiece for any interior. Our fine art shipper can deliver worldwide.

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