Ongaro & Fuga: Crafting Venetian Artisan Mirrors
with Passion
The creation of each Venetian artisan mirror is not just a process. It is a testament to the passion, skill, and soul infused into every piece. These mirrors are more than reflective surfaces; they are individual works of art, each telling its own unique story through intricate designs and impeccable craftsmanship.
The Artistry Behind Venetian Artisan Mirrors
The journey of crafting a Venetian artisan mirror begins in the quiet sanctity of our workshop, where the skilled hands of Ongaro & Fuga artisans transform raw materials into stunning pieces of art. The process, which can extend beyond 100 hours per mirror, involves a meticulous assembly of thousands of decorative elements, each placed with precision and care.
At Ongaro & Fuga, the creation of Venetian artisan mirrors is both a revered tradition and a vibrant testament to innovation. Our artisans, wielding skills honed over centuries and an unyielding passion for their craft, safeguard a legacy born in the famed glassmaking workshops of Murano. These craftsmen are far more than mere mirror makers; they are true artists who infuse life into glass, crafting breathtaking reflections that embody the rich culture and craftsmanship of Venice.
The creation of each mirror is a delicate dance between the artisan’s hand and the possibilities of glass. It starts with a clear vision and a precise drawing, which is painstakingly translated into the physical form through a series of traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations.
Crafting Elegance:
The Journey of Venetian artisan Mirrors at
Ongaro & Fuga
At Ongaro & Fuga, the heart of our mirror-making artistry lies in the intricate processes of glass shaping and silvering, pivotal steps in crafting our Venetian artisan mirrors. Initially, glass pieces are meticulously cut to precise specifications, then expertly shaped, curled, and ground.
Our artisans employ both stone and diamond grinding wheels to refine the edges and etch deep, precise patterns into the glass, enhancing its beauty and detail.
Design and drawing in Venetian Artisan Mirrors
The creation of each Venetian artisan mirror begins with a detailed design and drawing phase. Our skilled designers draft initial sketches, often inspired by ideas from our clients, which are then developed into detailed 1:1 scale drawings.
These serve as blueprints for carving the wooden bases of the mirrors and intricately defining the decorations that will frame the glass, ensuring that every element aligns with the envisioned aesthetic.
Cutting and grinding in Venetian Artisan Mirrors
Following the design phase, the glass cutting and grinding process takes place. Here, glass pieces are precisely cut and then shaped to match the detailed drawings.
Skilled artisans soften and define the curves and corners of each glass piece through meticulous grinding, a process that shapes the personality of each mirror and prepares it for further embellishment.
Engraving in Venetian Artisan Mirrors
Engraving adds a distinctive touch to our Venetian artisan mirrors. Our master engravers meticulously verify each piece to ensure alignment with the overall design and then use lathes to engrave intricate patterns and motifs into the glass.
This step highlights figures such as damsels and knights or patterns like twigs, rosettes, and intricate floral meshes, adding layers of texture and narrative depth to the mirrors.
Silvering and antiquing in Venetian Artisan Mirrors
The culmination of the mirror-making process is the silvering and antiquing stages. In these phases, the glass transforms into a mirror using ancient techniques that apply a layer of silver nitrate to achieve a perfectly mirrored surface. Concurrently, we apply an antiquing effect, which artfully ages the mirror, replicating the characteristic spots that naturally form over decades. This not only enhances the mirror’s aesthetic appeal but also connects the piece to the historical essence of Venetian craftsmanship.
Each step in the creation of Ongaro & Fuga’s Venetian artisan mirrors—from design to the final silvering—reflects our commitment to preserving the traditional artistry of Venetian mirror-making while infusing each piece with a unique, contemporary vision. These mirrors are not just reflective surfaces but storied artworks, bringing the legacy and luxury of Venice into homes and spaces around the world.