Afro Celotto Murano Glass - Filande
Afro Celotto Murano Glass - Filande
Afro Celotto is one of the true living Murano glass masters, having studied under the tutolage of legendary Lino Tagliapietra. We are privileged to be one of the very few galleries in the United States to carry his unique work.
Breathtakingly beautiful, unique in every way this piece is truly investment grade and can be passed down the generations bringing joy and wonder throughout the years.
Our belief is that knowledge is the key to understanding and appreciating the true value of fine art glass.
Glass at one point in history was a very valuable commodity available only in small sizes and to the very wealthy. With the invention of glassblowing, glass became accessible to the general public.
Glass was first produced in the Middle East around 3000 BC. Glassmaking existed in Venice from as early as the 8th century and has been operating continuously since that time. Glass was one of the Renaissance world’s most coveted treasures.
In 1291, the government of Venice banned the furnaces from central Venice, moving them instead to the island of Murano. This was due to the fear of fire in the wooden structures of a crowded Venice and also to isolate the master glassblowers to prevent their sharing valuable glassmaking secrets. The glassblowers became virtual prisoners on Murano, where the penalties for divulging glassblowing secrets could include death.
Glassmakers were considered “royalty” and had many privileges. They could wear swords and enjoyed immunity from prosecution. The daughters of glassmakers were allowed to marry into Venice’s blue-blooded families.
Glass products were highly prized in the Middle Ages and were predominantly responsible for the power and wealth of the Venetian empire at that time.
In 1450 there was a technological revolution in Venetian glass that was so important that it marked the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance. Angelo Barovier discovered how to remove the impurities from the soda ash that caused discoloration in glass. This invention of Cristallo allowed for the creation of clear crystal objects.
Secret glass making recipe books are passed down from fathers to sons in glassmaking families. It is in the hot modeling of glass that Murano glassmakers excel. The master glassmakers of Murano are able to blow very thin and airy forms that are delicately shaped, using only a few simple iron tools. These tools are virtually the same today as they were a thousand years ago.
Artist – Afro Celotto
Afro Celotto was born in Venice on August 24, 1963. He started working with glass when he was only 14 years old, apprenticing with the legendary Lino Tagliapietra.
During his 12 years as first assistant to Lino Tagliapietra, Afro had the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest living glass masters. Since these early years Afro has been producing some of the world’s most beautiful art glass.
Even though he is considered a “youngster” in the world of glass blowing, Afro is quickly becoming recognized by collectors for his technical ability and artistic expression.
After many years at “Effetre International”, Afro took his skills to “La Murrina” where he filled the position of “First Master”. Here he specialized in two of the oldest techniques: filigrana and murrhine.
Four years later, Afro returned to “Effetre International” after being asked to replace Lino Tagliapietra, who had moved to the United States to open his own studio.
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