While reading The Secret of the Glass by Donna Russo Morin I learned a lot about how the Murano glass was made. The entire first section of the book focuses on describing the methods and tools used in this trade among other things. While the descriptions were great, many people have complained that there is not a glossary for the Italian words – so I am providing one for the glass making process.• Borselle – tongs or pliers – used to form the hot glass
• Canna da soffio – blowing pipe
• Pontello – iron rod used to hold the glass object after the initial blowing to add the decorative touches
• Scagno – glass makers work bench
• Tagianti – glass cutting clipper
Now you may wonder how these tools all work together to make the beautiful glass you see above. Here is a video clip I found of some glass being made – all of the above tools are used. I always think that with these sorts of craft trades – it is better to see it happen than listen to it being described or reading about it.
Hope you have learned something about making Murano glass!
Here are the other events happening at the Round Table today:
Book review by Lucy at Enchanted by JosephineInfo on DRM’s upcoming 2011 Tudor novel TO SERVE A KING at HFBRT
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That video is amazing!! I loved the parts in the novel that described the glass making...how precise you have to be and the skill involved is crazy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for schooling us Heather!
We have watched glass blowers in several venues and it is always fascinating. Blowing out the bubble of molten glass is more than most of us could handle. It takes a quick and steady hand.
ReplyDeleteHow cool is that? Thanks for posting that video, Heather.
ReplyDeleteHeather- this was so good! Thanks:) On my next visit to Venice- I vow to go check one of these places out. It's fascinating!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea finding a video for the visual! Cool!
ReplyDeleteI have always been fascinated by all forms of glass blowing. Thanks for this great post!
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