The Ven-Ist Collection: Loukoum and Cintemani

Loukoum and Cintemani: Two references to the Ottoman culture are the subject of a jewelry collection celebrating the links between Venice and Istanbul; in particular, the ancient ties of Murano glass with Istanbul. "Ludique" and playful, this collection is a joyful and wearable interpretation of cultural symbols and daily artifacts. The Murano beads have been created in collaboration with the team of the "Cathedrale" furnace of Glass Master Aristide Najean and with Bead Artist Muriel Balensi.
The collection was presented during Glass Week 2021 at the "Edmond à Venise" Gallery.
"Loukoum or Turkish Delight" beads, a reference to Istanbul's favorite jelly candies of all colours confectioned since 18thcentury in small cubes dusted with icing sugar.
"Cintemani Beads": The signature Ottoman design called "Cintemani", with three dots and two waves design is thought to have originated in China. There are several interpretations of the meaning of the dots: a symbol of power, of luck, leopard dots - and of the waves like sinuous lines: tiger stripes, Buddha’s lip, Chinese clouds.
The Cintemani design which has been used in textiles, ceramics and other decorative objects are deconstructed into separate elements.

La collection Ven-Ist : Loukoum et Cintemani

Loukoum et Cintemani : Deux références à la culture Ottomane utilisées pour créer une collection célébrant les liens entre Venise et Istanbul, en particulier les relations très anciennes concernant le verre de Murano et Istanbul.
Gaie et Ludique, cette collection est une interprétation de ces symboles culturels et du quotidien. Les perles de Murano ont été réalisées par Maxime Hensen - équipe de l’artiste Aristide Najean -, dans les fourneaux de la Cathédrale et par l’artiste Muriel Balensi. Cette collection a été présentée par la Galerie « Edmond à Venise » à l’occasion de la 5ème édition de la Semaine du Verre, en Septembre 2021.
Loukoums : Une confiserie ottomane appréciée depuis le 18eme siècle réalisée à partir d’une pâte à base d’amidon et de sucre et aromatisée au citron, à la pistache, à la rose…. et saupoudrée de sucre glace.
Cintemani : Un motif typique de l’empire ottoman décliné en textiles, céramiques et autres objets décoratifs et comprenant 3 points et 2 lignes sinueuses. Provenant de Chine ou d’Asie centrale, il est interprété de différentes façons : Les points symboliseraient le pouvoir, la chance ou les spots du Léopard ; les lignes sinueuses représentant le pelage du tigre, les nuages ou le sourire de Bouddha.
Le motif est ici déconstruit en éléments séparés.

VenIst 2 :
"Rose Loukoum" or "Turkish Delight" beads in reference to Istanbul's favorite candy, confectioned since the 18thcentury in small cubes dusted with icing sugar.
The central bead, hand blown and mirrorized, was made by Maxime Hensen, assistant to Murano Artist Aristide Najean. Mounted on a brass chain.

VenIst 10 :
This piece is a deconstruction of a classic Ottoman design called “Cintemani”. The three dots and two waves composition is thought to have originated in China. There are several interpretations of the design's message: the dots being symbols of power, of luck, or leopard spots; the waves representing Buddha’s smile, Chinese clouds or tiger stripes. The “Cintemani “design is mainly used in textiles but also in ceramics and other decorative objects.
The beads, hand blown and lamp work, were made by Murano artist Muriel Balensi.

VenIst 6 :
This piece is a deconstruction of a classic Ottoman design called “Cintemani”. The three dots and two waves composition is thought to have originated in China. There are several interpretations of the design's message: the dots being symbols of power, of luck, or leopard spots; the waves representing Buddha’s smile, Chinese clouds or tiger stripes. The “Cintemani “design is mainly used in textiles but also in ceramics and other decorative objects.
The beads, hand blown and mirrorized, were made by Maxime Hensen, assistant to Murano Artist Aristide Najean. Mounted on a brass chain dipped in 24 carat gold.

VenIst 13 :
"Rose Loukoum" or "Turkish Delight" beads in reference to Istanbul's favorite candy, confectioned since the 18thcentury in small cubes dusted with icing sugar.
The beads were made by Murano artist Muriel Balensi, in her Murano Studio. The central silk tassel was created in an Istanbul workshop. Mounted on colored leather.

VenIst 8 :
This piece is a deconstruction of a classic Ottoman design called “Cintemani”. The three dots and two waves composition is thought to have originated in China. There are several interpretations of the design's message: the dots being symbols of power, of luck, or leopard spots; the waves representing Buddha’s smile, Chinese clouds or tiger stripes. The “Cintemani “design is mainly used in textiles but also in ceramics and other decorative objects.
The beads, hand blown and lamp work, were made by Murano artist Muriel Balensi. Mounted on a brass chain dipped in 24 carat gold.

VenIst 11 :
This piece is a deconstruction of a classic Ottoman design called “Cintemani”. The three dots and two waves composition is thought to have originated in China. There are several interpretations of the design's message: the dots being symbols of power, of luck, or leopard spots; the waves representing Buddha’s smile, Chinese clouds or tiger stripes. The “Cintemani “design is mainly used in textiles but also in ceramics and other decorative objects.
The horizontal bead, hand blown and mirrorized, was made by Maxime Hensen, assistant to Murano Artist Aristide Najean. The spherical beads are signature beads from Murano artist Muriel Balensi. Mounted on a brass chain dipped in sterling silver.

VenIst 4 :
This piece is a deconstruction of a classic Ottoman design called “Cintemani”. The three dots and two waves composition is thought to have originated in China. There are several interpretations of the design's message: the dots being symbols of power, of luck, or leopard spots; the waves representing Buddha’s smile, Chinese clouds or tiger stripes. The “Cintemani “design is mainly used in textiles but also in ceramics and other decorative objects.
The vertical bead, hand blown and mirrorized, was made by Maxime Hensen, assistant to Murano Artist Aristide Najean. The spherical bead is the signature bead from Murano artist Muriel Balensi.
Mounted on a brass chain dipped in 24 Carat gold.

VenIst 12 :
This piece is a deconstruction of a classic Ottoman design called “Cintemani”. The three dots and two waves composition is thought to have originated in China. There are several interpretations of the design's message: the dots being symbols of power, of luck, or leopard spots; the waves representing Buddha’s smile, Chinese clouds or tiger stripes. The “Cintemani “design is mainly used in textiles but also in ceramics and other decorative objects.
The beads, hand blown and lamp work, were made by Murano artist Muriel Balensi. Mounted on a brass chain dipped in 24 carat gold.

VenIst 15 :
“Pistachio Loukum" or “Turkish Delight" beads in reference to Istanbul's favorite candy, confectioned since the 18thcentury in small cubes dusted with icing sugar.
Beads made by Murano artist Muriel Balensi, in her Murano Studio. Metal elements inspired by traditional ottoman design. Central silk tassel created in an Istanbul workshop. Mounted on a silver chain.

VenIst 16 :
"Rose and Lemon Loukoum" or "Turkish Delight" beads in reference to Istanbul's favorite candy, confectioned since the 18thcentury in small cubes dusted with icing sugar.
Beads made by Murano artist Muriel Balensi, in her Murano Studio. Early 20th century traditional Ottoman metal elements and mother of pearl covered glass beads. Mounted on a brass chain dipped in sterling silver.

VenIst 3 :
"Pomegranate Loukoum" or "Turkish Delight" beads in reference to Istanbul's favorite candy, confectioned since the 18thcentury in small cubes dusted with icing sugar.
The central bead, hand blown and mirrorized, was made by Maxime Hensen, assistant to Murano Artist Aristide Najean. The grains of pomegranate are acrylic beads from Paris based artists Alex & Svet. Mounted on a rubber chain.

VenIst 1 :
"Lemon Loukoum" or "Turkish Delight" bead in reference to Istanbul's favorite candy, confectioned since the 18thcentury in small cubes dusted with icing sugar.
The central bead, hand blown and mirrorized, was made by Maxime Hensen, assistant to Murano Artist Aristide Najean. Mounted on a brass chain dipped in sterling silver.

VenIst 9 :
This piece is a deconstruction of a classic Ottoman design called “Cintemani”. The three dots and two waves composition is thought to have originated in China. There are several interpretations of the design's message: the dots being symbols of power, of luck, or leopard spots; the waves representing Buddha’s smile, Chinese clouds or tiger stripes. The “Cintemani “design is mainly used in textiles but also in ceramics and other decorative objects.
The beads, hand blown and lamp work, were made by Murano artist Muriel Balensi. Mounted on a brass chain dipped in 24 carat gold.

VenIst 7 :
This piece is a deconstruction of a classic Ottoman design called “Cintemani”. The three dots and two waves composition is thought to have originated in China. There are several interpretations of the design's message: the dots being symbols of power, of luck, or leopard spots; the waves representing Buddha’s smile, Chinese clouds or tiger stripes. The “Cintemani “design is mainly used in textiles but also in ceramics and other decorative objects.
The vertical bead, hand blown and mirrorized, was made by Maxime Hensen, assistant to Murano Artist Aristide Najean. The spherical beads are signature beads from Murano artist Muriel Balensi. Mounted on a brass chain dipped in 24 carat gold.

VenIst 14 :
"Rose Loukum" or "Turkish Delight" beads in reference to Istanbul's favorite candy, confectioned since the 18thcentury in small cubes dusted with icing sugar.
The central bead was made by Murano artist Muriel Balensi, in her Murano Studio. Small modern red Murano beads; early 20th century traditional Ottoman metal elements, silver beads, silk tassel from Istanbul workshops.

VenIst 17 :
"Lemon Loukum" or "Turkish Delight" beads in reference to Istanbul's favorite candy, confectioned since the 18thcentury in small cubes dusted with icing sugar.
Beads made by Murano artist Muriel Balensi, in her Murano Studio. Central silver pendant of traditional Anatolian design, sourced in Istanbul Grand Bazar. Mounted on a brass chain, dipped in sterling silver.

VenIst 5 :
This piece is a deconstruction of a classic Ottoman design called “Cintemani”. The three dots and two waves composition is thought to have originated in China. There are several interpretations of the design's message: the dots being symbols of power, of luck, or leopard spots; the waves representing Buddha’s smile, Chinese clouds or tiger stripes. The “Cintemani “design is mainly used in textiles but also in ceramics and other decorative objects.
The beads, hand blown and mirrorized, were made by Maxime Hensen, assistant to Murano Artist Aristide Najean.
Mounted on a brass chain dipped in 24 carat gold.