The glassmaking history is a very rich and interesting part of Italian history.

The origins of glassmaking in the Venice, dates back much further then you might think. Their roots lie in the Roman times. The first archaeological evidence of glass production in the in Venice comes from the island of Torcello and dates back to the 7th century.
Documents have been discovered in which glassmakers are mentioned and is thought to be from the late 10th century.
After the Sack of Constantinople the industry expanded considerably , an event that had a tremendous impact on Venice‘s economics.
Sophisticated glass techniques such as enamelling were brought in from the east. The Sack of Constantinople also brought Venice absolute dominance of trade in fine luxury Italian goods around the whole of the Mediterranean.
Glassmakers were subject to some rules in the 12th century.
Dating back to 1271, when the famous Capitulare de Fiolaris statute of glassmaker’s art was brought to life. The Capitulare de Fiolaris contained rules and regulations for all those involved in Glass making. The "Capitulares" was regularly amended until the last version was issued in 1776.
By the end of the 15th century, most of the traditional Venetian glassmaking techniques had already been perfected. Enamelling and gilding, calcedonio, Millefiori and a perfectly clear "cristallo" were all used to create great glass masterpieces, ranging from intricate patterns to the imitation of semi-precious stones.
Throughout the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries Venetian glass with its pure elegance and beauty was in great demand by the biggest levels of society.
It wasn’t until the end of the 17th century that this demand and desire came to an end.
European taste changed, and much heavier lead-glass and Bohemian glass were much better suited to the new taste for great shapes and stunning engravings.
In Venice during the 18th century there was a pretty big decline in glassmaking.
Although with popularity fading the Venetians did have one success in the second half of the 19th century, with their extremely ornate and brightly coloured chandeliers.
Venetian glassmakers revived their styles of the 15th to 17th centuries. A glass museum was then established in 1861 affiliated with a school of design, where glassmakers could study old specimens of Venetian glass work.
Specialist chemists employed by the major glasshouses, dramatically extended the range of colours available today in glass. it was during this period that the technical basis that led to the most original and perfect products of 2Oth century Murano glass.