The Capitolare dei Perleri of 1764
The Capitolare degli Specchieri , a capitulary text for mirror makers, was issued on January 3, 1764 and approved by the Senate one week later with a vaste majority in favor. It was followed by the presentatuion on the Capitolare dei Perleri , its counterpart for bead makers. Presented on May 22 by Art Inquisitor Sebastiano Molin, it was approved by the Senate on August 11.
The Art was afflicted by two evils, one internal and the other that came from the outside. The first was linked to the discord that arose between corporation members, fostered by those like Gaetano Aquabona, who were driven solely by personal interests. The secon challenge came from Jerwish, Greek ann Armenian traffickers "who have no other God but the gratest gain".
Using masters as figureheads, said dealers bougt glass rods in Murano and had them caressely worked for low pay by some willing bead-makers. Thus, they were able to sellbeads abroad at low prices, albeit devaluing the production and alienating clients little by little. The Capitolare dei Perleri established positions within the trade following the sistm approved by the Senate, which had alredy been applied in that of the
Specchieri . It established tests for becoming a master, paying close attention to the perfection of the work as well as the inalterability of prices. The sale of glass rods by glassmakers was under strict control and the sale of products created by bead-makers became very rigid. An important element within this context were the works of charity and aid to sick corporation members.