Flora ad infinitum: Bead Craft from France and Venice to the World L'artisanat des perles : francais, venitien et universel

Glimmering glass beads are threaded onto thin wire and shaped into flowers, a historical handicraft rooted in Venice and its famous Murano glass. This book explores the history, techniques, materials, and personal stories behind the craft, showing how it became a prosperous industry in the early 1900s.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2023
Publisher: De Gruyter

Glimmering glass beads, intricately crafted with skilled hands, find their place on delicate wire, transforming into breathtaking flowers that hold a rich history rooted in the enchanting city of Venice and its renowned Murano glass. In this lavishly illustrated book, author and collector Georg Ragnar Levi takes us on a captivating journey, unraveling the fascinating story of beaded flowers. From their initial adoration to periods of both love and disdain, these intricate creations have traversed the tides of history, even facing the ban at certain junctures.

The art of creating French beaded flowers emerged within the confines of homes, convents, prisons, and workshops, serving both ornamental and symbolic purposes. They adorned baptisms, weddings, and funerals, adding a touch of elegance and meaning to these significant events. Dr. Levi, with his expertise and passion, guides us through the intricate history, techniques, materials, and personal stories that shaped the craft. He reveals how the demand for wreaths and bouquets in the early 1900s became a lifeline for many European families, propelling the glassworks of Murano and Bohemia to prosperity.

This bilingual edition, available in both English and French, offers a profound and insightful exploration into a forgotten handicraft. It is a testament to the enduring beauty and craftsmanship that have withstood the test of time. As readers delve into its pages, they are greeted with a feast of discovery, as reviews unanimously praise this captivating book for its ability to inspire and educate.

So, take a moment to immerse yourself in the world of beaded flowers, where history, artistry, and personal stories converge. Let Georg Ragnar Levi's "Beaded Flowers: A Venetian Craftsmanship" be your guide, as you embark on a journey of discovery and appreciation for this captivating art form.

Weight: 1145g
Dimension: 225 x 245 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783422801516