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City of crystal
In
Colle Val d'Elsa, in the province of Siena, glass was already
being worked in 1300. And this craft activity is still thriving after
700 years. Then the ovens produced glass vases and cups and today
they make pieces of great quality and design in pure crystal which
is mouth blown and hand engraved.
To get a complete picture of the area's production we recommend a
visit to the Consorzio Cristallo ("Crystal Consortium")
of Colle Val d'Elsa, an ancient building in the upper part of the
city closed off by the old walls. A large part of the output of two
important crystal glassworks and one group of artisans and glasscutters
is gathered together here. There are glasses and bottles by Alison,
taken from designs by Le Courbusier, and crystal vases taken from
an original piece in metal by Mackintosh. There is a lovely display
as well of the prototypes for the republishing of classical Tuscan
pieces such as the Bacco wine goblet, the ball flask and an oil
jar which was produced in the 17th century, known as Nassa.
In all of the village at any rate there are very many glass masters.
Loreno Grassini, for example, apart from restoration of any
type, does personalized engravings on blown crystal, from small ornaments
to sweet bowls.
Arduino Bacci, creator of real masterpieces of glass cutting,
is very highly valued too. Inspired by 19th century models he creates
engraved fruit stands, bowls, bottles, wine goblets and vases. And
there is even a fountain over a metre tall which reminds you of those
described in the tales of A Thousand and One Nights.
Don't miss a trip to the Vilca factory, the only crystal glassworks
which does mouth blowing. It produces wine goblets, bowls,
glasses of every shape and size, spirit bottles in square shapes and
cut wine jars.