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Finding the Right vases for You
Whether it’s a Chinese Han dynasty glazed ceramic wine vessel, a work of Murano glass or a hand-painted Scandinavian modern stoneware piece, a fine vase brings a piece of history into your space as much as it adds a sophisticated dynamic.
Like sculptures or paintings, antique and vintage vases are considered works of fine art. Once offered as tributes to ancient rulers, vases continue to be gifted to heads of state today. Over time, decorative porcelain vases have become family heirlooms to be displayed prominently in our homes — loved pieces treasured from generation to generation.
The functional value of vases is well known. They were traditionally utilized as vessels for carrying dry goods or liquids, so some have handles and feature an opening at the top (where they flare back out). While artists have explored wildly sculptural alternatives over time, the most conventional vase shape is characterized by a bulbous base and a body with shoulders where the form curves inward.
Owing to their intrinsic functionality, vases are quite possibly versatile in ways few other art forms can match. They’re typically taller than they are wide. Some have a neck that offers height and is ideal for the stems of cut flowers. To pair with your mid-century modern decor, the right vase will be an elegant receptacle for leafy snake plants on your teak dining table, or, in the case of welcoming guests on your doorstep, a large ceramic floor vase for long tree branches or sticks — perhaps one crafted in the Art Nouveau style — works wonders.
Interior designers include vases of every type, size and style in their projects — be the canvas indoors or outdoors — often introducing a splash of color and a range of textures to an entryway or merely calling attention to nature’s asymmetries by bringing more organically shaped decorative objects into a home.
On 1stDibs, you can browse our collection of vases by material, including ceramic, glass, porcelain and more. Sizes range from tiny bud vases to massive statement pieces and every size in between.
- What is Murano glass?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023Murano glass is colorful art glass primarily produced on Murano, an island in Venice, Italy. Artisans produce a variety of Murano glass decorative objects, including vases, lamps, candle holders, figurines, bowls and wine glasses. Shop a selection of Murano glass pieces on 1stDibs.
- Why is it called Murano glass?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023It is called Murano glass because of its place of origin. During the 13th century, artisans on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy, became famous for producing colorful glassware. Find a range of Murano glass from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Can Murano glass be clear?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Although Murano glass is usually brightly colored, there are a few varieties of clear Murano glass. Cristallo glass, which is achieved by a process of bleaching, is a type of clear Murano glass. Shop a range of antique and vintage Murano glass pieces on 1stDibs.
- How can I identify Murano glass?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Murano glass is identifiable by its richly layered colors and characteristic gold or silver flecks inside the glass. Authentic Murano glass often has small imperfections and an irregular shape due to the freeform creation process. Find a collection of authentic Murano glass from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Murano Aventurine is glass that has been decorated with a surface effect which resembles shimmering specks found in quartz. This technique was pioneered by Murano in the 17th century. On 1stDibs, find Murano glass products from top sellers around the world.
- Is Murano blown glass?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Yes, Murano is blown glass. Artisans on Murano, an island in Venice, Italy, produce the colorful glassware through a unique process. Murano glass is identifiable by its richly layered colors and characteristic gold or silver flecks inside the glass. Authentic Murano glass often has small imperfections and an irregular shape due to the freeform creation process. One of the earliest Venetian glass furnaces is believed to have been established as far back as the 8th century (the filigrana technique is as old as the 16th century). On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Murano glassware from some of the world’s top sellers.
- Is Murano glass valuable?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023Whether Murano glass is valuable depends on a variety of factors, including the type of piece and its condition. Artisans on Murano, an island in Venice, Italy, produce the colorful glassware through a unique process. Murano glass is identifiable by its richly layered colors and characteristic gold or silver flecks inside the glass. Authentic Murano glass often has small imperfections and an irregular shape due to the freeform creation process. One of the earliest Venetian glass furnaces is believed to have been established as far back as the 8th century (the filigrana technique is as old as the 16th century). A certified appraiser can help you determine the value and authenticity of a particular piece. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Murano glassware.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Murano glass, from the Venetian island of Murano, is world-renowned for excellent craftsmanship and a wide variety of colors and decorations. The glassmakers of Murano use methods honed over centuries to create rich colors and designs by mixing different minerals during the process. Many examples contain gold and silver flecks inside the glass. You’ll find a collection of authentic Murano glass from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Does Murano glass break?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Murano glass can break. Generally considered very durable, Murano glass is still made of glass and it is susceptible to breaks if it’s improperly handled or dropped. Known as some of the best glass produced in the world, unfortunately it can still break. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Murano glass pieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
- Where is Murano glass signed?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Authentic Murano glass often, but not always, includes labels with the name of the workshop, the signature of the glass master and a certificate of authenticity. To best determine if a Murano glass is authentic, look up the location of the factory found on the label. All authentic Murano glass is produced in Venice or Murano. Always purchase Murano glass from a reputable seller to ensure authenticity. Browse a selection of authentic Murano glass pieces on 1stDibs.
- How is Murano glass marked?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024How Murano glass is marked varies. Some pieces feature a label, sticker or other mark that bears the name of the studio that produced them. Others may only have an artist's signature or be unmarked. However, Murano glass artisans rarely put the word "Murano" on their pieces, though you will often see the word on replicas. For assistance determining whether a particular piece is Murano, consult an expert appraiser or antiques dealer. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Murano glass.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024Murano glass comes from Murano, an island located in the Venetian Lagoon to the north of Venice, Italy. Many people mistake the name Murano for that of a brand or company, but the term actually applies to glassware produced by a variety of makers. Fratelli Toso, Umberto Bellotto, the Salviati family, Ercole Barovier, Carlo Scarpa, Paolo Venini and Alfredo Barbini are just some of the glassblowers known for producing Murano glass. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of Murano glass.
- What is Murano glass made of?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024Murano glass is made of a combination of materials. In most cases, artisans use a blend of silica, soda, lime and potassium to produce the colorful art glass. The mixture gets heated to a high temperature to melt it, so that glassblowers can form it into various shapes. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Murano glass.
- Does Murano glass have markings?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024Yes, Murano glass is typically marked. You will usually find the markings on the bases of pieces or in other inconspicuous areas. Generally, Murano glass will display a trademark and a maker's mark, indicating which shop produced it. In most cases, authentic Murano glass will not have the word "Murano" on it. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of Murano glass.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021There is no real difference between Venetian glass and Murano glass. While both Venetian glass and Murano glass come from Murano Island, Venice is a more popular location than Murano, hence it is called widely as Venetian glass. You can use both search terms to find the best piece for you on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To identify genuine Murano glass, first check for the certificate of authenticity. Sometimes, but not always, there will be a label with the workshop and the signature of the maker on the piece. Shop a collection of authentic Murano glass pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Murano glass is highly-coveted due to the glassblowing processes used to create each piece. Murano glass is known for its vivid color, handcrafted in Murano and Venice and a favorite among collectors and home interior decor enthusiasts. Browse a wide array of Murano glass from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Whether Murano glass holds its value depends on a variety of factors, including how well it’s cared for as well as demand and supply. Antique Murano art glass can fetch thousands of dollars at auction depending on the brand, the history of the work, the technique used to design the piece and more. The first step in determining if your Murano glass object has held its value is determining its authenticity. To tell if a Murano glass vase is real, look for the name of the shop that produced it on the bottom. Then, use trusted online resources to determine if the workshop is in Murano, Italy. Bear in mind that authentic pieces normally do not have the word "Murano" on their labels. If you need assistance authenticating a particular vase, you may wish to enlist the help of a certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer. Because it can be difficult to predict how the value of items will change over time, choose decorative objects that appeal to you. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Murano glassware from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023To tell if a glass rooster is Murano, you can look for markings and other details to try and determine the maker, but the best way to determine authenticity is to enlist the help of an antiques dealer or Murano glass expert. Otherwise, look for the signature of the artist or factory on the piece. Authentic Murano glass will often, but not always, include labels with the name of the workshop, the signature of the glass master and a certificate of authenticity. Use trusted online resources to determine if the maker's location is or was in Murano, in northeastern Italy. Seeing the word "Murano" on a glass decorative object doesn't mean that it is authentic. In fact, most genuine pieces won't show the word "Murano." Murano glass is identifiable by its richly layered colors and characteristic gold or silver flecks inside the glass. Authentic Murano glass often has small imperfections and an irregular shape due to the freeform creation process. Shop a collection of Murano glass pieces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023To tell if a bird sculpture is made of Murano glass, professionals recommend having an antiques dealer or Murano glass expert examine it. Otherwise, look for the signature of the artist or factory on the piece. Authentic Murano glass will often, but not always, include labels with the name of the workshop, the signature of the glass master and a certificate of authenticity. Use trusted online resources to determine if the maker's location is or was in Murano, in northeastern Italy. Seeing the word "Murano" on a glass decorative object doesn't mean that it is authentic. In fact, most genuine pieces won't show the word "Murano." Murano glass is identifiable by its richly layered colors and characteristic gold or silver flecks inside the glass. Authentic Murano glass often has small imperfections and an irregular shape due to the freeform creation process. Find a collection of Murano glass decorative objects on 1stDibs.
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