The origins of Murano glass making go back to the first millennium. Originating in Venice in the eighth century, the first known historical document recounts Domenico, a maestro (glassblowing master), who produced fiole (bottles) for use in the home. Further, Venice trade with Eastern Mediterranean areas at that time brought new concepts and techniques that glass makers were able to utilize to create extraordinary works of art.
Murano glass is best known for numerous distinctive glass making technologies including milk glass (lattimo), crystalline glass and multicolored glass (millefiori). Today, glass artists continue to utilize their centuries-old techniques to craft various work such as goblets, wine stoppers and glass jewelry.
Murano glass began in Venice, but was moved to the Venetian island of Murano in 1291. This off-the-shore Italian location is still a major destination for handmade glass and continues to house Murano's historical factories and brands, such as Venini, Barovier & Toso, Pauly and Seguso.
By the sixteenth century, as many as 3,000 of the 7,000 citizens in Murano were in one way or another immersed in the glassblowing industry. Because much of the population was dedicated to this craft, Murano was able to retain a monopoly on its secrets for many centuries. As a result, Murano glass makers were the only ones that knew how to make glass mirrors.
Originally, it was believed that glass making moved from Venice to the island of Murano because the city wanted to protect its mostly wooden buildings and crowded city from the fires of the furnace. Until recently, historians are speculating that glass making was moved to the island of Murano because it was centered in one place and, as a result, Venice could better control their glass art secrets.