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Renzo Toso Fei

Renzo Toso Fei Glass engraver
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In praise of beauty

  • • When he was 13, Renzo started working in the family business
  • • His considers himself lucky because he grew up around beauty
  • • For many years, 'Fei' has been his family's nickname

Renzo Toso Fei's family has been living in Murano since 1300, and has always been dedicated to the art of glass. Born into art – his father was a glass engraver – Renzo decided to continue in the family business. He has worked alongside his parents for 30 years and, in the future, his youngest son, Tobia, is likely to join them. Renzo loves tradition and rarely departs from it, except on request. He is often asked to create products such as mirrors and glass interiors for world-renowned architects. He considers himself “halfway between art and crafts”, but feels more an artisan than an artist. He cherishes the fact that each day is different, and he loves to get up every morning and decide what to do.

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Works

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Glasses with engraved coats of arms and monograms

These tumblers, of various sizes and shapes, have been engraved by hand with blazons of European families and personalised monograms. The engravings were cut on a wheel.

Height 12 cm

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Mirror

This mirror was shaped by hand using traditional mirror making techniques. The final piece was then engraved by hand. The mirror itself has a contemporary design, however the engravings and decorative motif atop the frame are evocative of antique mirrors.

Height 170 cm
Width 90 cm

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Fury

This glossy black Murano glass vase has been engraved by hand with a scene of two horses rearing up. Different wheel engraving techniques were used to give greater depth and detail to the scene.

Height 40 cm
Width 28 cm

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French 18th century mirror

This mirror was shaped by hand using traditional mirror making techniques. The mirror has a contemporary design, however the hand engraved decorative motifs are evocative of antique mirrors.

Height 130 cm
Width 10 cm

Find Renzo Toso Fei in the itinerary

Murano: the historical art of glassmaking
12 locations
Venetian glass is recognised worldwide for its centuries-old tradition and excellent quality, and the island of Murano is at the heart of this legacy. Step foot on the island to discover the history and making of masterful glass creations.
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