From March 24th to May12th 2013, at the Bijoux Museum of Casalmaggiore (CR), thousands of colourful glass beads will be exposed in a prestigious exhibition, to tell their history through jewels, tribal idols, costumes and pictures.
The exhibition focuses its attention on venetian glass, which for centuries has been transformed into beautiful beads which are now leading the visitors from the “calli” of Murano to the exotic landscapes of Africa and America.
A journey through the ancient sailing trade routes going to far territories where global market was based on barter; spices, gold and slaves in exchange for European craftsmanship products. Venetian beads followed important explorers; among the others Columbus, during the discovery of America and Henry Morton Stanley in the deepest African forest, searching for Dr. Livingston.
The exhibition presents 19th century Murano glass beads reproducing the drawing and colours of 10th – 14th century beads, created in Fustat, Damasco and Samarra.
They used to arrive in Africa through trade routes and were exchanged with gold, ivory, slaves and palm oil.
Beads were then transformed in powerful talismans, used in precious jewels and sacred objects.
Today in Murano this craftsmanship tradition is still present, creating small but precious masterpieces.
In the exhibition La Via delle Perle the Murano Glass company Ercole Moretti & F.lli snc, bearer of the Vetro Artistico® Murano trademark will expose some pieces and it will be present in the permanent collection of the Bijoux Museum.
Ercole Moretti & F.lli snc gave to the museum some of the most significant 20th century samples of Murano glass necklaces, pendants, earrings, and bracelets.
Info and contacts
Bijoux Museum of Casalmaggiore