Brooklyn's Progress
October/November 2006

On a trip to Venice, Italy years ago, the Vizzini family fell in love with Murano glass and decided in 1995 to begin importing the finest selections to the United States.  The resulting business, Casa Di Murano, Inc. based in Park Slope, Brooklyn, features one of the largest selections of Murano glass outside of Italy, along with other items from select locations in Italy.

Earlier this year, Tina Vizzini assumed the position of Director of Sales at Casa Di Murano, Inc. and is applying her business acumen to expand the business.  It became apparent to her that with all the development and growth in Brooklyn, involvement with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce would be a smart move.

“We joined the Chamber to dynamically stay on top of what is going on in the community, and to position our business to become part of all the development going on in our borough,” says Ms. Vizzini. “Brooklyn is a wonderful borough with beautiful architecture in its many new and renovated buildings.  The beauty of the items carried by Casa Di Murano can enhance the décor of any residential or commercial space.  We have the lighting, mirrors, sculptures and accessories to make your home, office, restaurant, and commercial property stand out from the others.”

In fact, Ms. Vizzini maintains that a visit to the Casa Di Murano, Inc. showroom is like a tour of a museum of Murano glass.  With thousands of different items, repeat visits keep yielding new gems.  Available at their store are lamps and chandeliers, mirrored cabinetry, sculptures, mirrors, aquariums, vases, paperweights, wedding favors and many other gorgeous pieces that bedazzle the eye.  Many of the items on display may also be custom ordered for a particularly special one-of-a-kind look.

Casa Di Murano directly imports high-end home furnishings and decorative accessories from Italy, with an emphasis on Murano glass items.  Murano glass is made by the finest artisans in the region of Venice who take great pride in the pieces they craft.  In fact, many of the pieces are signed by the artists.  All items are available in modern, neo-classic, traditional, art deco, rococo, antique reproductions or even custom orders.  Also featured are Italian grandfather clocks, mantle clocks and music boxes of hand carved wood with fine marquetry veneers.

The staff at Casa Di Murano is happy to discuss design ideas to suit their customers’ motifs, or can recommend corporate gifts for employees and associates, wedding favors, gifts and more. 

“We at Casa Di Murano believe that everyday objects can also function as pieces of art.  Our store carries extraordinary items that can help finish your design projects and truly make them distinctly special,” added Ms. Vizzini.  “We display images of select items on our Web site, but highly recommend visits to our showroom to truly appreciate how these pieces allow beauty to become a part of your life.”

History of Murano Glass
In the Middle Ages, Venice assumed its role as the glassmaking center of the Western world.  Through the 13th century, most glassmaking in Venice took place in the city itself.  However, frequent fires caused by the furnaces led the city authorities in 1291 to order the transfer of glassmaking to the isles of Murano.

In the 15th century, the craftsmen of Murano began using quartz sand and potash to produce particularly pure glass.  A distinct Venetian style was developed which came to full bloom in the 16th century.  Venetian dishes were formed by blowing, whereupon several parts were joined together.  The most important invention of that time, according to glass artists, was filigrane glass.  Here, creativity and craftsmanship were united. Murano glass, as it has become known throughout the world, is equated with quality and is sought after by those who want a piece of art in their lives or to give as a gift to be cherished for a lifetime.

Visits to Casa Di Murano, Inc., located at 151 Second Avenue (at 12th Street), are by appointment only.  The company sells both wholesale and retail.  For more information call 718-369-9885, or visit http://www.casadimuranoinc.com/.