Millefiori – Italian for "thousand flowers" – is a glassmaking technique in which a flower-like pattern is created from many small, patterned glass rods. Each "flower" is the cross-section of a drawn glass rod (a murrina).
How are Millefiori patterns created?
First, colored glass rods are arranged so that their cross-section forms a pattern – for example, a flower or a star. This rod is then stretched long, so that the pattern inside remains intact, only smaller. If the rod is cut into thin slices, each slice shows the pattern. Many such slices next to each other create the typical Millefiori image.
Millefiori and Murrine
The terms are closely related: The individual patterned glass rods are called murrine. If many of them are put together to form a sea of flowers, it is called Millefiori. So murrine is the component, Millefiori is the finished pattern.
Millefiori in modern glass art
Originally from Venetian glass art, Millefiori is now also used in lampworking for bongs, pipes, and pendants. A Millefiori element transforms a functional piece into a small work of art – labor-intensive and thus a true one-of-a-kind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Millefiori mean?
"Thousand flowers" in Italian – because of the many flower-like patterns.
How are the patterns created?
From cross-sections of patterned glass rods (murrine) that are assembled.
Is Millefiori the same as Murrine?
Murrine are the individual rods, Millefiori is the finished pattern made from them.
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