Anticipating the imminent appearance of the objects of Murano glass auction AI, we decided to tell you what makes a work of Venetian glassblowers and copyrights are valued as works made in this technique

Murano glass - the ancient art of Venetian glassblowers - selected as the theme , I confess, not from a purely research interest . The fact is that after a while Auction AI plans to offer customers a series of very unusual lots - Murano glass works by Italian sculptor David Salvador. And to anticipate the appearance of these items is meaningful story about what this technique is unique and valued as works of authorship made ​​in it .

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Secret Murano glass production for centuries guarded secrets almost like silk and porcelain in China . From the tenth century Venice authorities made ​​sure that did not penetrate the secrets of excellence outside the country . The law prohibits the export of raw materials for the manufacture of glass , and the masters were not allowed to leave Venice under penalty of death. However, for this inconvenience showered their privileges and luring high status .

Venetian glass was not immediately Murano . First workshops were located in Venice itself , and after 1291 because of the risk of fire , they were transferred to the island of Murano , two kilometers from Venice. So there was an island " Glass republic" with his court , currency and embassy. Since the XV century Murano glass has become highly valued throughout Europe. It as an expensive gift portrayed the Venetian doges , glassblowers work became part of the decoration of many royal palaces. It has become so associated with the monarchy , that in the beginning of the XIX century Murano glass culture almost died : the revolutionary French troops in 1806 destroyed all the shops . And only in the middle of the XIX century a group of entrepreneurs managed to revive the ancient art . And 100 years later , in a new wave of interest in Murano glass , he was approached by French artists Toulouse-Lautrec , Bonnard, Picasso , Hans Arp, Georges Braque and Marc Chagall .

Studio David Salvador. Vase Murano Glass Estimate: 2 500-3 500 Sell Price: 3416 USD Bonhams. 07.06.2011

EL SALVADOR David Tiraboson

art authoring Murano glass is rather at the intersection of fine art and jewelry . no accident that Venetian glassmakers often by jewelry houses . Original laminated glass rods which are then cut into disks - murrhine still are old technology and their production process is characterized by very high labor input . Branded gold and silver tones , as well as in the tenth century , is achieved by introducing a foil of these precious metals. in Murano glass is not introduced additives as in crystal, it always remains just glass. However, the material is so outwardly pure and transparent crystal glass that is not inferior .

For collectors and investors , it is important that the work of Murano glass - vases , sculptures, objects - has long been involved in the auction turnover . They often include Thong PDI and even make specialized auctions devoted only Murano ( see, for example , здесь).

EL SALVADOR David Three meteor

EL SALVADOR David Eyes

Artist and sculptor David Salvador was born in Murano glass blower in the family in 1953. Davide difficult profession to learn the basics in the workshops under the wing of the Venetian island famous glassblowers Alfredo Barbini and Loredano Rosin . in 1978 he began working in the jewelry studio your mother where created works in collaboration with fashion houses Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior. sculptor In 1987 he founded his own studio called Campagnol e Salvadore and at one time worked on the orders of the leading suppliers of products of Murano glass Nason & Moretti, Vincenzo Nason and La Murrina.

EL SALVADOR David Untitled (Spingarpa Grande) Murano glass , steel. Height 118 cm Estimate: 4 000-6 000 dollars Sell Price: 15 $ 860 Bonhams & Butterfields. 18.04.2011

EL SALVADOR David Spingarpa Grande

Today David Salvador - acknowledged master , artist and innovator , co-founder of the association Centro Studio Vetro, designed to promote cultural preservation Murano glass . works with logos Campagnol e Salvadore and Davide Salvatore Murano sold at leading auctions worldwide. Vases and compact sculpture usually go price range 2 500-3 500 . copyrights Large sculptures are valued much more. specifically, in April 2011 meter sculpture Spingarpa Grande was sold at Bonhams & Butterfields U.S. 15 $ 860 , with a threefold excess of the estimate . nowadays gallery market comparable class works sold for 20-25 thousand dollars. Connoisseurs Murano glass is known that artists are able to create a work of this size , remained a matter of units - say , generally only two . But the value of the author's sculpture El Salvador in the fact that the wizard uses the technological and artistic techniques of his own invention - that is, his sculptures and objects , in fact, unique .

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