Italy's glass art under threat

Glass makers on the Italian island of Murano, prized through the centuries for their unique skills, face the global financial crisis.

The global financial crisis has dried up sales of the prized glass of the Venetian island of Murano, raising stark questions about the future of the 700-year-old industry. Competition from China and other producers, and a strong euro that killed the U.S. market for its fine glass are the key culprits, as Murano glass workers become increasingly worried for their livelihoods.