Murano Island, located about 1.5 km away from Venice, is famous for its glass crafts. [In 1291, the government of the Republic of Venice decreed by law that all glass artisans were to move to Murano and were not allowed to leave the island. The artisans on the island created their own unique glass-making methods over the centuries, and the reputation of Venetian glass has been built up to an unshakeable position in the world. [While preserving the traditions handed down from generation to generation, the artisans are constantly seeking new ideas and techniques, creating a variety of works that keep pace with the times.


This exhibition brings together works from the museum's collection by eight masters, including Archimede Seguso and Alfredo Balbini, who led the Venetian glass world and have continued to influence various artists with their advanced techniques and artistry.

Even if the same "glass" and the same "technique" are used, the impression given by a work of art by a different artist can be completely different. Even the same artist can show a wide range of styles and expressive abilities that make it hard to believe that the work is by the same person, depending on the theme and the period of production.
Each work is the embodiment of the "object (imagination) that exists in the artist's mind," the one and only "world view" itself. The "worldview" sublimated as a work of art is intricately influenced by various elements such as life, thought, lifestyle, culture, and nature, which the artists, who have lived their lives with glass, have faced through their creative activities.
By standing in front of the works and sharing the "worldview" expressed through the design, beautiful colors, and difficult techniques of the works, we may be facing the artists beyond time and place through the glass. We may be facing the artists through glass, transcending time and place.
When we, the viewers, are moved by a work of art, it may be said that the artist's "worldview" resonates with our sensibilities, transcending the theme of the work.

We hope you will enjoy the world's most fascinating glass art created by the masters of Venetian glass.

■8 masters to be introduced in this exhibition ■
Archimede Seguso Alfredo Balbini Pino Signoretto Romano de Angeli Lucio Bubacco Vittorio Costantini Livio Seguso Riccio Zanetti