Glassmaking in Medieval Europe and Renaissance - Venetian Glassmaking

After the fall of the Roman Empire, glassmaking in Europe came almost to a halt; in fact, the quality of glass even declined. Artistic glass ceased to be created, while some utilitarian glassware was still produced. Most pieces from the early medieval period are green or brown, with little variation in color. Bubbles and striations are also common and decorations were limited.

However, one region that developed a flourishing glass industry after that dark medieval period was Venice. A glass industry existed in Venice by the late 10th century, but it was not until the 13th century that the industry was fully established. Since 15th century, Venetian glass was exported to northern Europe, and during the Renaissance demand for Venetian glass greatly increased.

Venice had several advantages besides the quality of its glass. First, the geographical location was ideal. Second, eastern glass manufacturing declined after the fall of Constantinople, so that its glassmakers migrated to Venice and brought eastern glassmaking techniques. Third, Venice had strict rules concerning the migration of Venetian craftsmen; they were virtual prisoners in this Republic, while the rule was indeed effective in keeping the glassmaking secrets of Venice intact from outsiders. Penalties included imprisonment and even death.

In 1271, the center of Venetian glass industry was moved to the island of Murano. Some say this was a continuation of the strict rule of keeping secrets from outsiders; some say that it is because of fear of fire spreading from the furnaces. For whatever reason the industry was moved, most of what is called "Venetian" glass is actually made in Murano. Beads, beakers, and dishes were produced in the early periods.

Since around 1450, artistic glassware was also produced, stimulated by the Renaissance. Armorial flasks with gilded and enameled decorations were produced. Pictorial scenes took the place of simple geometric patterns.

The biggest change may be the shift from colored glass to cristallo. Cristallo was a clear glass which was almost colorless, with a pale yellow or brown tint. It was light and thin, and could be used for fancy decorations, so that Venetian glass using cristallo became famous throughout Europe.
Another interesting type of glass was ice glass; hot glass was plunged into cold water, then immediately reheated and blown for a crackled ice effect.

Venetians also produced mirror glass and chandeliers, and the period of prosperity continued until the 18th century. After that, Bohemians and Germans took their place. Some Venetian glassmaking families still survive; for example, the Barovier family from the 15th century still makes Venetian style glassware.

Interested in beautiful yet practical glassware? Find out more about exquisite hand blown glass vases, bowls, paperweights.

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Venetian Mask History, the Moretta Mask

The Moretta mask is one of the most traditional designs of Venetian masks. Originating in France it was quickly taken up by the fashion conscious Venetian women who loved the way the mask accentuated the soft feminine lines of the female face. Its popularity was short lived as by 1760 it had disappeared.

The Moretta mask was oval in shape with no mouth opening, just eye holes.Traditionally the mask was worn with a veil so giving total anonymity to its wearer. Originally made of black velvet the features are expressionless. It was designed without ties to secure it in place relying Instead on a button a button sewn on the inside of the mask which was clamped in the mouth of the wearer, so keeping the mask in place and rendering the wearer mute. This is why the Moretta mask is also called the Servetta Muta meaning mute maid servant.

The lack of verbal communication this mask imposed meant that Venetian women had to use their body language to communicate. It encouraged coquettish behavior, the tilt of the head,the fluttering of eye lashes, the touch of a hand all became an intricate part of flirtation.Its expressionless face meant that the female wearer had to use her body to communicate, much as a mime artist would today. When worn, the Moretta mask accentuated all the attributes that Venetians considered to be the height of desirability and femininity. 

The moretta mask was worn to gambling houses, for affairs and when visiting convents where vows of silence were observed.

Thankfully todays Moretta masks are designed with ribbon ties to secure it. The button has been left in an era where women's views were seen as unimportant and where they were judged on their physical attributes alone. They can be crafted from leather, cloth or paper mache. Most are still blank in either black or white as tradition dictates. If you wish for one that is a little more decorative there are designs that have been embelished with gilded macrame and crystals. Although not historically correct these do look superb when worn and also make lovely wall decoration. The leather Moretta masks are probably the most comfortable, allowing the skin to breath and molding to the shape of the wearers face.

Although simple in its design and somewhat inconvenient to wear, this mask still holds a fascination for us today. Its expressionless facade imbibes its wearer with an ethereal look which captivates our attention wherever it may be worn.

Mikaela Parry is owner of http://www.venetianmasquerademasks.co.uk/ an online shop specializing in masquerade masks. If you wish to learn more about the fascinating history of Venetian masks or purchase one then please visit our shop.

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