Biography

Italian glassmaker, active in Murano. Born from a family of glassmakers he apparently had the chance to work in a Bohemian glass factory, where he learned the secrets of working the crystal, that at the time was taking over Venetian glass leadership on the European market. Briati contributed significantly to improve the fortunes of the Venetian glass, which after having experienced a period of success, was heavily decayed. His furnace became famous for the production of Bohemian inspired glass with a twist of eccentricity, that through colours and decorations gave them the look of triumph of polychrome flowers.

In 1724 Briati distinguishes himself, besides being deputy of the municipality of Murano and having the honour of seeing his family crest on coins, but also for the privilege granted by the Council of Ten, for the technique in refined crystal and obliging young artists to study it.

Giuseppe Briati created what is now called Rezzonico Chandelier, whose name derive from the first chandelier of its kind, that represents the classic Murano chandelier. It was designed by Briati for the noble Venetian family Rezzonico and hung in their palace along the Grand Canal. He focused his work on the creation of what are now recognised as the typical Murano chandeliers with multiple arms decorated with garlands, flowers and leaves, called "ciocche".

Giuseppe Briati is also credited with transforming the Venetian mirror into a refined element of interior decoration. he replaced the old laquered or gilded wooden frame with one composed of elements of carved, engraved, or enamelled glass, which was then fixed to a wooden backing.