Craftsmanship in Siena: the art of glass-making
Posted on 19. Jul, 2010 by admin in Archive, Handicraft
The art of glass-making in Tuscany has been practiced since Etruscan time with a characteristic production of small ampulle for both domestic use and for worship.
From the XIII century, Tuscany played an important role in glass-making both in Italy and in Europe. Glasses and bottles were frequently featured in paintings of that period and especially biblical themes (The Last Supper, The Marriage of Cana, etc.) and the fifteenth century fresco “Stories of the Hospital and Care of the Sick” by Domenico di Bartolo in the Ospedale di Santa Maria della Scala in Siena.
Today the master glass-makers of Siena are renowned internationally as they make use of the most modern technologies to produce their works and at the same time, are also excellent designers.
There are many shops in Siena and the surrounding areas selling such high-quality, traditional craftwork and which are made using the same age-old processes and techniques which have been handed down from ancient times. Very often, their works are also associated with the Palio; the bells of S. Maria are considered a good-luck charm with the colours of one of the contrada of the city and usually given as presents by the inhabitants of Siena. Near Siena, in Montalcino, there is a glass-museum which illustrates the history of glass-making since ancient times to the present day.
Just north of Siena in the village of Colle Val d‘Elsa, is the Crystal-glass museum and this village produces 90% of the Italian production of crystal-glass and 13% of international production.
The development of the glass-making industry in the area has been possible due to a series of environmental factors: the availability of raw materials in the region and the Via Romea which permitted the transport of the sand which is used in the production process.
The history of the glass-making industry in Tuscany has always been characterised by its openness to technological innovation. In Colle Val d’Elsa especially, many studies were conducted on the composition of the raw materials to produce crystal-glass. A veritable industrial history which has incorporated both innovative production techniques and taken inspiration from the Professional School and Laboratory of Decorative Arts (opened in 1898 by the architect Antonio Salvetti).
The objects in glass and crystal glass produced in and around Siena are fruit of a series of traditions, styles and tastes reminiscent of times past which attribute to these objects a precise identity. Today’s collections are so detailed and varied to create an almost infinite number of products.
The history of Siena and the surrounding territory has been made by man and master craftsmen who have characterised the local culture and where a specific design project seems possible for future generations and to give life to a new identity of the local products.
There are thousands of different presents — each unique — to give someone a little piece of Tuscany.
