Constuction of Millefiori Beads and
Pendants at Murano Italy.
Since the Thirteenth century an elite community of glass artisans has worked
on the Island of Murano which is near Venice Italy. Their many secrets are
jealously gaurded in the family tradition. Here you may learn of some of their
techniques.
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Millefiori beads and pendants are
constructed from units of glass called 'murrine' which are cut from a rod of
glass.
The modelling of the rod begins by taking a
small mass of glass at the end of a metal pole.
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By dipping into different
pots of molten glass the volume increases and it is now made up of layers of
different colors.
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The mass is then squeezed into a mold which
gives it it's final form.
A last layer of glass is applied.
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Another pole is attatched
to the other end of the mass.
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The two glass makers walk
in opposite directions , pulling out the glass into a long fine rod of the
required diameter.
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