Morassutti Eco-Smalti – Italian Sintered Glass Mosaic from Spilimbergo
There are places on earth where the air itself seems pregnant with creativity – where generations of artisans have passed down their knowledge, and where the line between art and craft blurs. Spilimbergo, in the heart of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, is such a place. Here, where the mosaic tradition has flourished for over a century, Federico Morassutti has chosen his own path. His Eco-Smalti are not an imitation of the past, but a loving reinterpretation – materials that combine the warmth of the earth with the light of glass, made with respect for both tradition and the future.
Spilimbergo: Where Mosaic Lives and Breathes
To understand Morassutti Eco-Smalti, you must first understand the place they come from. Spilimbergo proudly bears the title "Città del Mosaico" – the City of Mosaic. But it is no museum, no monument to a bygone era. It is a living, breathing community where the art of mosaic is still practiced, taught, and evolved daily.
The beating heart of this community is the Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli, a school that for decades has trained mosaic masters who work all over the world. In the school's studios, you see students bent over their workbenches, surrounded by thousands of colorful tesseræ, as they master ancient techniques. The instructors – masters themselves with years of experience – carefully select the materials their students work with. And increasingly, they choose Morassutti's smalti.
When the masters of the Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli choose a material for their own artworks, it is the highest form of recognition. It means the material not only meets technical standards but also possesses the artistic soul necessary to truly create.
Federico Morassutti: An Innovator with Respect for Tradition
In the shadow of the great historical glass furnaces of Spilimbergo, in the nearby town of Sequals, lies the laboratory of Federico Morassutti. With over thirty years of experience in the mosaic world, he is no newcomer but a thoughtful innovator. While others cling to methods unchanged for centuries, Morassutti asked himself a question few others dared to ask: can it be done differently? Can it be done better?
His answer was not a break from the past, but a loving reconsideration. Morassutti developed a production process that preserves the beauty of traditional smalti while drastically reducing the ecological footprint. No more lead, no more arsenic – substances historically inseparable from glass production, but which burden both the maker and the environment. Instead: recycled glass, mineral pigments, and a process that saves energy without sacrificing quality.
The result is a material that feels different, sounds different, and works differently than traditional smalti – but in a way that doesn't deter artists, but rather offers new possibilities. It is not a compromise; it is an invitation.
Why Artists Choose Morassutti
The true test of any material lies in the hands of the artist. And it is precisely the most demanding artists – from masters associated with the Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli to renowned mosaicists worldwide – who embrace Morassutti Eco-Smalti. Not in spite of their uniqueness, but because of it.
The Dialogue of Textures
Experienced mosaic artists are masters at combining materials. They deliberately contrast the shine of traditional smalti against the soft matte finish of Morassutti. It is not a matter of "either-or," but "both-and." The shiny pieces leap forward, catching the light and demanding attention. The matte Morassutti pieces step back modestly, creating calm and offering depth. Together, they tell a story that neither material could tell alone.
Freedom in Form
For artists working on portraits and figurative work, the large Morassutti plate offers something pre-cut tiles never can: freedom. A lock of hair requires a flowing line, a jaw contour a specific curve, the corner of an eye a precise angle. With the 11.5 cm Piastra, the artist can cut any shape their vision requires. The material serves the art, not the other way around.
Artists working with Morassutti often speak of the "organic quality" of the material. The subtle grain, the soft light absorption, the warm appearance – these are properties that make the material particularly suitable for representing nature, skin, and everything that lives and breathes.
The Secret of the Texture: Soft as Velvet
Anyone holding a Morassutti tile for the first time notices it immediately: this feels different. Where traditional smalti feels smooth and cool, Eco-Smalti has a soft, almost velvety texture. This is no accident, but the direct result of the unique production process.
In traditional glass production, the material is fully melted into a liquid mass. As it cools, a smooth surface with the characteristic "fire polish" gloss is formed. Morassutti chose a different path: the sintering process. Glass powder – over 90% sourced from recycled materials – is mixed with natural mineral pigments and pressed under high pressure. Then it goes into the kiln, but at lower temperatures than full fusion. The glass does not melt completely; the particles only fuse together at the edges.
The result is a material that doesn't reflect light, but absorbs and diffuses it. Instead of a hard shine, you see a soft glow. Instead of a flat color, you see a subtle vibration, a liveliness that artists describe as "waxy" or "velvety." It is a texture exceptionally suited for depicting human skin, feathers, or tree bark – anything in nature that is soft and organic.
For the mosaic artist: The matte texture of Morassutti Eco-Smalti is not a limitation, but an expansion of your palette. Where high-gloss glass can sometimes be too dominant, this material offers peace and depth. It is ideal for backgrounds, for skin tones, and for everything that shouldn't shout but must speak.
Craft Meets Responsibility
Federico Morassutti's choice to work with recycled glass and without toxic substances is no marketing trick – it is an act of respect. Respect for the artists who work with the material daily and breathe in the fine dust released during cutting. Respect for the environment we live in. Respect for future generations who will continue the craft.
For centuries, traditional glass production used lead to lower the melting point and increase shine. Arsenic served as a refining agent. Both substances are toxic, and working with them – especially cutting and breaking the glass – carries health risks. Morassutti has proven it can be done differently: beauty without poison.
A Material with a Conscience
More than 90% of the material consists of recycled glass. No lead, no arsenic, no dangerous substances. Lower production temperatures mean less energy consumption. And at the end of its life cycle, the material can be recycled again. For projects where sustainability certifications are required – public artworks, architectural installations – Morassutti Eco-Smalti is an obvious choice.
The Piastra: A Canvas of Freedom
Where traditional smalti is often sold as round "pizzas" – irregular in shape and thickness – Morassutti delivers his material in perfect square plates of 11.5 x 11.5 cm. This "Piastra" is not a compromise for industrial efficiency, but a conscious choice that benefits the artist.
Imagine: you are working on a portrait and need a specific shape – a long line for an eyebrow, a soft curve for a cheekbone. With pre-cut tiles, you are limited to what exists. With the Piastra, you have a canvas from which you can cut every conceivable shape. The material doesn't force you into a grid; it invites you to create freely.
Three Thicknesses for Every Application
The Piastra is available in three thicknesses, each with its own character and uses:
- 0.2 cm (2 mm / 1/16 inch): Light as a feather – approx. 80 grams per tile. This ultra-thin variant opens worlds previously closed to glass mosaic: jewelry, fashion accessories, work on canvas or textiles. It can be cut like a thick wafer with minimal effort. Coverage: approx. 12.5 kg/m².
- 0.6 cm (6 mm / 1/4 inch): The golden standard – approx. 180 grams per tile. Compatible with the thickness of many other mosaic materials, ideal for wall art and interior projects. Strong enough for durability, thin enough for versatility. Coverage: approx. 27 kg/m².
- 1.0 cm (10 mm / 3/8 inch): Robust as stone – approx. 330 grams per tile. For floors, outdoor applications, and projects meant to last decades. The thickness also offers artistic possibilities: deep grout lines create a play of shadows that brings the work to life. Coverage: approx. 50 kg/m².
Working with Morassutti: A Different Experience
Every mosaic artist working with Morassutti for the first time notices that the material reacts differently than what they are used to. Not better or worse – just different. And that difference requires a small adjustment, a moment of getting acquainted.
The Sound of Cutting
When working with a hammer and hardie, sintered glass sounds duller than traditional glass. No clear "tink," but a softer, fuller sound. The fracture line is less sharp, more granular – a characteristic that initially surprises some artists but proves to be an advantage in practice: the rougher edge provides better adhesion for the adhesive.
The thinnest variant (0.2 cm) works beautifully with wheeled nippers. The material gives way without splintering, making it ideal for fine detail work and for artists with less hand strength.
A Softer Approach
Sintered glass requires a lighter hand than traditional glass. Striking too hard can lead to crumbling instead of a clean break. Practice on scraps first to get to know the material – it will reward you with predictable, precise work.
Grouting: A Word of Warning
The matte, slightly porous texture of Morassutti Eco-Smalti is beautiful – but requires attention when grouting. Dark pigments in grout can seep into the microstructure of the surface, especially with light colors. The result can be a gray haze that is difficult to remove.
Practical advice: Always test on a scrap piece first. Consider treating the tiles with a sealer or lightly rubbing them with wax before grouting. This prevents pigment from entering the texture and makes cleaning easier.
The Color Palette: From Basic to Extraordinary
The Morassutti collection includes a rich palette of colors, organized into series each with their own character.
The BF-series (Basic/Fondo) forms the backbone of the collection: honest, pure colors with descriptive names. Nero for the deepest black, Bianco for the purest white, and between them a spectrum of Verde, Giallo, Rosso, and many others. Particularly special is the Carnagione-series – a carefully curated palette of skin tones that optimizes the material's matte texture for figurative work.
The K-series offer richer, more saturated colors – those requiring more precious pigments. And for those seeking something very specific, Morassutti offers the possibility of custom work: a bespoke color tailored exactly to your project. Thanks to the powder process, any shade can be reproduced – a luxury much harder to achieve with traditional furnaces where every batch is unique.
Applications: Where Beauty Meets Function
The versatility of Morassutti Eco-Smalti makes it suitable for a wide spectrum of applications:
- Portraits and figurative work: The matte texture is unsurpassed for representing skin, hair, and textiles – everything requiring softness and warmth.
- Natural subjects: Feathers, leaves, tree bark, still water – the organic quality of the material resonates with organic subjects.
- Backgrounds and color fields: Where shiny glass can distract, Morassutti offers calm. It recedes modestly, allowing focal points to shine.
- Mixed media work: The dialogue between matte and gloss, between absorption and reflection, opens new dimensions in your compositions.
- Sustainable projects: For public art, architectural installations, and projects with environmental certifications, the high recycled content is a strong argument.
- Jewelry and fashion: The ultra-thin 2 mm variant enables applications previously unthinkable for glass mosaic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Morassutti feel different from traditional smalti?
The difference lies in the production process. Traditional smalti is fully melted, resulting in a smooth, shiny surface. Morassutti is sintered: glass powder is pressed under high pressure and then heated at lower temperatures. The glass particles only fuse at the edges, resulting in the characteristic soft, matte texture.
Is it really safer to work with?
Yes. Traditional glass production utilized lead and arsenic – toxic substances released as fine dust when you cut or break the glass. Morassutti has completely eliminated these. For anyone working with mosaic regularly, and certainly for workshops and educational settings, this is a major health benefit.
Can I combine Morassutti with other materials?
Absolutely, and this is exactly how many masters use it. The standard 0.6 cm thickness matches many other mosaic materials, allowing you to work them into the same adhesive bed. The dialogue between the matte Morassutti texture and shiny traditional smalti can give your work an extra dimension.
Why choose the Piastra instead of loose tesseræ?
The 11.5 x 11.5 cm plate gives you freedom. You aren't limited to the shapes someone else cut for you. Every line, every curve, every shape your vision requires can be cut from the plate by you. The material serves your art.
How do I prevent staining when grouting?
The matte texture can absorb pigments from grout, especially with light colors. Always test first on a scrap. Optionally, treat the tiles with a sealer or wax before grouting. And use unpigmented or light-colored grout whenever possible.
Is it suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, especially the 1.0 cm thick variant is robust enough for outdoor applications. Ensure a suitable substrate and use frost-resistant adhesive and grout. The material is resistant to weather influences and temperature fluctuations.
What tools do I need?
For the thicker variants, a hammer and hardie works best – preferably with a widia (carbide) head for clean cuts. For the thin variant and precision work, wheeled nippers are ideal. Remember: a lighter strike yields better results than brute force.
Why is the matte texture ideal for skin tones?
Human skin reflects light in a soft, diffuse way. High-gloss glass does the opposite: it reflects light harshly and directly, breaking the illusion of warmth and softness. The matte texture of Morassutti much more closely approaches the way real skin interacts with light, making portraits look more lifelike.
Can I have a specific color made?
Yes. One benefit of the powder process is reproducibility. Morassutti can create custom colors by adjusting the proportions of the powder mixture. This is particularly valuable for restoration projects or large works where color consistency is essential.
What makes this material sustainable?
More than 90% recycled glass. No lead or arsenic. Lower production temperatures. Fully recyclable at the end of its life cycle. Morassutti Eco-Smalti is designed with respect for people and environment – without concessions to artistic quality.
The Story Continues
In Sequals, in the shadow of Spilimbergo, Federico Morassutti continues to work on his vision: materials that combine the warmth of the earth with the light of glass. Materials that honor tradition by renewing it. Materials that are sustainable in both senses of the word – made to last for generations, and made with respect for the generations to follow. When you work with Morassutti Eco-Smalti, you become part of that story. A story of craft, of innovation, of beauty with a conscience.