A Venetian Polychrome Murano Glass 8-Light Chandelier, 19th Century.

A large 19th century Venetian polychrome Murano glass eight-light chandelier with scrolled candle arms, decorated with flowers and leaves. Murano glass chandeliers have a unique history that is intertwined with their location. They stem from Venice, Italy, where glass blowing was practiced as early as the 14th century. Today still, these chandeliers continue to be produced in the city of Venice only. In the 18th century, Murano glassblowers started to introduce new products such as glass mirrors and chandeliers. The chandeliers were such a success that they instantly brought the fashion of glass chandeliers to a new dimension – which is still felt today. The first Murano glass chandeliers produced by Venetian glassmakers date back around the year 1700. This new type of chandelier was called “ciocca”, which translates literally to “bouquet of flowers”. Their shape was inspired by an original architectural concept: the inside space is left almost empty. Decorations are spread around the central support, distanced by the length of the arms. One of the common use of the huge Murano chandeliers was as interior lighting of theatres and palaces. Giuseppe Briati was one of the most famous producers of chandeliers. In 1724, he created what became known as the Rezzonico Chandelier, the first chandelier of its kind.