A detailed and creative illustration of the "Glass" theme day. One thinks of Venice as the place with the most elegant glass art, but I had not thought of Venice as the place for mirrors, though.
One time when I took my children to watch Venetian glass being made in a glass factgory in Murano, we had to exit through the showroom, of course. The salesman was rather pushy and was trying to sell us a chandelier or a fancy decanter set. I was interested only in something small as a souvenir for the children. I replied that I was not interested in a chandelier or decanter set, but had in mind something like a small glass animal or a paperweight.
With an attitude very uncharacteristic for the friendly Italians, the salesman replied, "You should go to Taiwan."
Thanks for reminding me it was theme day! The picture is lovely and very evocative of Venetian glass.
Dave - I work in tourism and part of my job is to help people with their trips to Venice. There are many reputable, nice, and respectful glass shops both on the main islands and Murano. However, on Murano especially there are a lot of furnaces that bring in tourists for demos and then push them to buy items. It's really a shame and I get a lot of people who come away disappointed even though I try to warn them. The more reputable furnaces don't even do demos, because they're working and don't have time! However, my advice is to find glass shops on the main islands (you can find a lot of people doing lampwork right in their shops) or to stray as far from the main drag as possible on Murano to try and find the more authentic shops. Two of my favorites are Giorgio Nason in Dorsoduro (right by the Salute church) and Vittorio Costantini in Cannaregio on Calle dei Fumi. Both are very famous in the glass world, very nice, and willing to chat about their craft.
Sorry for the rambling comment JM, but just wanted to give some firsthand advice.
Wonderful interpretation of your family's heirloom, JM. I hope you don't have to relocate this gorgeous mirror very often. This is my first visit . . . I like your photography very much and will be back.
Jessica, Thank your for your helpful comments. I should have added to my original comment that I have been back to Venice 3 times since the comment by the sales person in Murano, including a very pleasant visit to Murano, so I was not trying to malign the people of Murano with my little story.
I love Italy, ad Venice is my favorite city. Several years ago some friends and family asked if I could plan a trip where other people could join my wife and me. I chose Italy, put together an itinerary, and we ended up leading (and making all of the arrangements for) a group of 16 people for 2 weeks.
40 comments:
Wonderful glass...beautiful artwork.
It has beautiful detail. Nice photo!
Fantastic shot!
What a beautifully ornate mirror. Great theme day shot.
Nice mirror!!! great picture!!!
A really beautiful piece of glass!
This mirror is exquisite! Perfect for the Glass Theme Day!
A detailed and creative illustration of the "Glass" theme day. One thinks of Venice as the place with the most elegant glass art, but I had not thought of Venice as the place for mirrors, though.
One time when I took my children to watch Venetian glass being made in a glass factgory in Murano, we had to exit through the showroom, of course. The salesman was rather pushy and was trying to sell us a chandelier or a fancy decanter set. I was interested only in something small as a souvenir for the children. I replied that I was not interested in a chandelier or decanter set, but had in mind something like a small glass animal or a paperweight.
With an attitude very uncharacteristic for the friendly Italians, the salesman replied, "You should go to Taiwan."
Oh that is beautiful JM! Seriously, a gorgeous piece! Happy theme day :)
Beautiful capture!
Difficult to work out what exactly this is. I'd say an arty mirror.
David, this mirrow is in my family for some generations and I have no idea if it was bought in Italy or here. It's SO heavy!!!
How rude that Murano man was! Maybe you should have broken something before leaving the shop! He deserved it! Lol!
Very nice; a true piece of art.
This mirror has incredible detail and I bet it is a heavy piece. Very beautiful.
Wonderful for the glass theme.
Thanks for reminding me it was theme day! The picture is lovely and very evocative of Venetian glass.
Dave - I work in tourism and part of my job is to help people with their trips to Venice. There are many reputable, nice, and respectful glass shops both on the main islands and Murano. However, on Murano especially there are a lot of furnaces that bring in tourists for demos and then push them to buy items. It's really a shame and I get a lot of people who come away disappointed even though I try to warn them. The more reputable furnaces don't even do demos, because they're working and don't have time! However, my advice is to find glass shops on the main islands (you can find a lot of people doing lampwork right in their shops) or to stray as far from the main drag as possible on Murano to try and find the more authentic shops. Two of my favorites are Giorgio Nason in Dorsoduro (right by the Salute church) and Vittorio Costantini in Cannaregio on Calle dei Fumi. Both are very famous in the glass world, very nice, and willing to chat about their craft.
Sorry for the rambling comment JM, but just wanted to give some firsthand advice.
Great. Absolutely fabulous.Love the detail of this beautiful mirror. Super choice for today.
What a beautiful piece!
Always in the detail with your images such beauty. I was saddened to read of these tile thefts you mentioned on my blog. Such a shame.
Wonderful interpretation of your family's heirloom, JM. I hope you don't have to relocate this gorgeous mirror very often. This is my first visit . . . I like your photography very much and will be back.
I LOVE these mirrors. My friends had one from Mexico city and hung it in the bathroom. It was stunning. Gives me a decorating idea for my home!
This is a perfect photo for theme day! The detail in the mirror is just beautiful!
This is one of my favorites for today! Really lovely.
That is beautiful. The detail is lovely.
I love the perspective, JM. I love beveled glass in a mirror, the more the merrier. Great theme day post.
Delightful. I wonder how it would have looked in b/w.
Beautiful mirror and choice for theme day. Really like the way the light shines off of it.
That's very pretty! This is actually the first mirror I've seen for today's theme.
Wow! And you give it such beautiful framing and focus too. Thanks for posting it for us.
a very pretty mirror!
Oh, this was Theme Day...
Gorgeous and you picked the right angle as always JM!
Just beautiful.
V
A truly antique object for the day. Great shot!
great shot, JM. i love that beautiful detail.
wow! so detailed which led me to wondering if a machine makes it or it's purely manual.
wonderfully elegant composition
We rarely see such detailed historic glasswork in our country ... and to think it is in your family not just in a museum ... wow.
Jessica,
Thank your for your helpful comments. I should have added to my original comment that I have been back to Venice 3 times since the comment by the sales person in Murano, including a very pleasant visit to Murano, so I was not trying to malign the people of Murano with my little story.
I love Italy, ad Venice is my favorite city. Several years ago some friends and family asked if I could plan a trip where other people could join my wife and me. I chose Italy, put together an itinerary, and we ended up leading (and making all of the arrangements for) a group of 16 people for 2 weeks.
Classical,Elegant.
A beautiful interpretation of the theme.
Beautiful framed glass and a great choice for this theme!
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