The Circus

David asked:


In Italy there is a city suspended between sky and sea, his name is Venice, a unique city rich in history and art. If you come to visit you will be fascinated by her beauty, and even more if you’ll come to take its streets during the Carnival even dressed in masks to relive the emotions of the Venice of the 700th That’s because Venice is a city suspended in its glorious past when it reached its peak in 1700.

The creation of masks in Venice is a tradition that dates back to centuries ago, some say as early as 1200. Even today there are many artisans who make beautiful Venetian Masks from the most classical to the most imaginative, all strictly hand-painted and embellished with precious fabrics and feathers. Many of the masks that are sold in stores have ancient origins, especially those that come from the Commedia dell’Arte of Goldoni.

We all know the typical masks of Venice thanks to the comedy written by Goldoni, where, with wit and irony highlighted strengths and weaknesses of the Venetian nobility, merchants and their servants. The most famous among the masks goldoniana is Harlequin, a servant always perpetually hungry despite his involvement in the affairs of the family of Pantaloon surly and stingy Venetian merchant. Arlecchino is engaged with the handmaid Colombina, very mischievous Arlecchino and convinces her to fulfill every desire, especially to buy everything we want.

Pantalone is a miserly old merchant and luxurious that besets the young girls.

But because the Carnival of Venice draws the attention of the world? As early as 700 all the nobles of Europe were attracted to the carnival they could give vent to the most recondite fantasies and lustful desires protected anonymity that the mask worn during the carnival gave them. The Venetians already centuries earlier had introduced the custom of wearing masks during carnival.

Why still the Carnival of Venice is the most famous in the world? Perhaps because even today the transgressions of the past still live in private between the walls of the palace, perhaps also because dressed lady or knight has a sense walking in this city magic where time seems to take us in the past. It ‘true that the emotions that you live are definitely unique and powerful emotional impact. You will not be yourself, you feel being part of an ancient world, magical. Walking the streets of Venice or in the fields you will feel as if the city did always and if you have the good fortune to come into a building where there is a private party let fun, to balls, to courtship.



ASHLEY

Kevin Grinberg asked:


It is well known that glassmaking craft has been around for a very long time and this industry has expanded from window panes in ancient Roman times to chandeliers, jewelry, tableware, and even figurines. Glass figurines have been in fashion for years, but not many people realize that Murano glass figurines represent a perfect mix of artistic value, beautiful design, and quality.

Murano figurines are only made in one place in the world- Murano Island off the coast of Venice, Italy. The glass produced on this island is the most sought after glass in the world, and it boasts a rich heritage and centuries of history. In 1291, all of the glassmakers in Venice were forced out due to the risk of fires from their furnaces in largely wooden Venice. The government decree made them move to Murano Island, and since then for generations they have lived there and produced some of the greatest glass in the world.

Hand-made with passion and skill, using the instruments and techniques that haven’t changed much since antiquity, Murano figurines are beautiful and unique. They range in style from classic to modern and come in variety of sizes, making them perfect to accentuate your interior design and create a highlight in any room of your home or office.

If you would like to own a Murano figurine, there are many things to consider before you purchase one. First of all, if you are not buying your figurine physically in Murano, make sure you are dealing with a reputable seller who carries only authentic Murano glass. For that you need to know whether the seller or the maker of the figurines are members of Consortium Promovetro – the only Venetian Glass industry organization that promotes authenticity of Murano glass against the multitude of counterfeits and fakes available in the world today. Quoting from the Consortium’s website, “it represents over 70 craft and industrial businesses on Murano and in Venice. Since its foundation, Promovetro has worked hard to promote the image of Murano\’s artistic glass with the declared intent of conserving, safeguarding and defending Murano\’s thousand year old art of glass, and at the same time to promote, develop and assist in properly marketing this important cultural heritage in the world.”

Secondly, you need to decide on a form, a size and a style that would work best for you. Each Murano glass figurine is hand-made, so there are a many styles, colors, and shapes available. There are animal figures, birds, flowers, clowns, orchestra musicians, gondoliers, and many other forms. All the famous Murano techniques can be used for creating figurines, ranging from Millefiori to Fenicio to Avventurina. Once you determine the best possible option to complement your home décor or to add to your figurine collection, go ahead and search among Murano glass makers and importers for that particular piece- chances are, even if you can’t visit Murano and order it directly from the glassmaker there, someone has it available in their store or on their website.

Last but not least, you need to consider where you are going to put it. A genuine Murano glass figurine is not just a decoration, but a stylish well-designed hand-crafted treasure with rich history. It is a reminder of the beauty and romance of Venice that will create a special atmosphere in your home or office. Putting it on an open shelf or table where it can capture and reflect light will make it a highlight of the room, but keep in mind that it needs to work well with the rest of your décor and color scheme.



LESLIE