It was a sea captain who created the first ship in a bottle.

The first documented antique ship in a bottle dates back to 1784. Its creator was Giovanni Biondo, a Venetian sea captain who dedicated his works to the Venetian Navy. Later in history, he made two more bottled ships that are today located at Venice Glass Museum in Murano and a private collection in Milan.

As a photographer, I photographed this image with Captain Giovanni Biondo in mind. The lighting, glass and texture along with the textiles convey a feeling of age and beauty with this old peace
of folk art.
-David Cochran, Light Through Glass-