Question 1

What is Murano glass?

Accepted Answer

Murano 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.

Question 2

Does Murano glass have markings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 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.

Question 3

Does Murano glass break?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 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.

Question 4

How is Murano glass marked?

Accepted Answer

How 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.

Question 5

What is Murano glass made of?

Accepted Answer

Murano 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.

Question 6

Where is Murano glass signed?

Accepted Answer

Authentic 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.

Question 7

What are the characteristics of Murano glass?

Accepted Answer

Murano 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.

Question 8

Where does Murano glass come from?

Accepted Answer

Murano 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.

Question 9

Can Murano glass be clear?

Accepted Answer

Although 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.

Question 10

How can I identify Murano glass?

Accepted Answer

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 authentic Murano glass from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 11

Is Murano glass valuable?

Accepted Answer

Whether 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.

Question 12

Is Murano glass worth it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many glass lovers believe that Murano glass is worth it. Murano glass is named for the Venetian island of Murano, where glassmaking has been practiced for centuries. The glass is made using a variety of artisanal processes and is identifiable by its richly layered colors and characteristic gold or silver flecks inside the glass. Every vintage Murano glass decorative object is unique. Authentic Murano glass often has small imperfections and irregular shapes due to the freeform creation process. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in Murano glass is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find Murano glass and other art glass pieces on 1stDibs.

Question 13

Is Murano blown glass?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 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.

Question 14

Why is it called Murano glass?

Accepted Answer

It 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.

Question 15

What is Aventurine in Murano glass?

Accepted Answer

Murano 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.

Question 16

What is the difference between Venetian glass and Murano glass?

Accepted Answer

There 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.

Question 17

How do I know if my Murano glass is blown?

Accepted Answer

All Murano glass pieces are either hand-blown or mouth-blown in Murano, Italy. This will cause small imperfections like air bubbles or a Pontil mark. In addition, the glass master will leave his signature on the piece indicating its authenticity. It’s important to purchase from a vetted seller or vendor to ensure authenticity. Shop authentic Murano glass pieces from 1stDibs.

Question 18

Does Murano glass have a Pontil mark?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Murano glass does indeed have a pontil mark. Murano glass is individually blown in Venice, Italy, and the mark at the bottom is made by the rod used by the artisan when they shape the piece. Shop a collection of Murano glass pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 19

How can you tell if Murano glass is vintage?

Accepted Answer

To tell if Murano glass is vintage, it's usually necessary to conduct some online research using trusted sources. Start by looking for a maker's mark and then cross-referencing it with images published online to determine who made your piece. By learning more about the manufacturer and what they produced over the years by reading histories and exploring product catalogues, you can estimate the rough age of your piece. For Murano glass to be considered vintage, it must be between 20 and 99 years old. Older pieces are classified as antique. If you need assistance with dating your glassware, seek the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Explore a range of Murano glass on 1stDibs.

Question 20

How can you tell if a glass fruit is Murano?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a Murano glass fruit is real, look for the signature of the artist or factory on the piece. Authentic 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. 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. If you need assistance authenticating a piece, seek the help of a licensed appraiser. Shop a selection of Murano glass decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Murano Glass Head

Vintage 1950s Italian Figurative Sculptures

Murano Glass Head Sculpture attributed to Alfredo Barbini

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Mid-Century Modern Table, Glass Top, Walnut , by Ico Parisi Murano Glass Heads

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Mimmo Paladino: Glass head sculpture in Murano glass, 1989 Meta Memphis

20th Century Italian Abstract Sculptures

20th Century Sculptural Murano Glass Face on Bronze Base

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Glass

Murano Sommerso Glass Horse Head Bust Signed Italian

Early 2000s Italian Modern Bottles

Formia 2001 Italian Black Murano Glass Bottle with Dog Head Stopper

Vintage 1980s Italian Organic Modern Figurative Sculptures

Formia 1980s Modern Italian Comic Ivory Glass Head Sculpture with Red Lips

2010s Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures

Abstract Sculpture Head Clown Murano Glass Pop Art by Badioli

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Ermanno Nason for Cenedese Italian Murano Alexandrite Glass Horse Head Sculpture

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Stylized Murano Horse Head Sculpture in Sommerso Glass

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Seguso Murano Sommerso Green Italian Art Glass Horse Head Figurine Sculpture

2010s Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures

Abstract Sculpture Tribute to Picasso Head Carnival Murano Glass by Badioli

2010s Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures

Abstract Sculpture Tribute to Pablo Picasso Head Cleopatra Murano Glass Badioli

Vintage 1980s Italian Animal Sculptures

Huge Murano Glass Horse Head Sculpture in the Style of Cenedese

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Murano Orange Ombre Fade Gold Italian Art Glass Horse Head Figure Sculpture

2010s Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures

Abstract Sculpture Tribute to Pablo Picasso Head Lulù Murano Glass by Badioli

Vintage 1980s Italian Organic Modern Figurative Sculptures

Italian Modernist Black Iridescent Murano Glass Sculpture in the Shape of a Head

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

20th Century Italian Pair of Grey-Black Smoked Murano Glass Sculpture Heads

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

20th Century Gold-Black Italian Pair of Smoked Murano Glass Sculpture Heads

Vintage 1950s Italian Busts

Venini Murano Fulvio Bianconi Tiepolo Head Figurine

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

White Murano Glass tablelamp with mushroom head, manufactured by De Majo, Italy

Vintage 1950s Vases

1950s Purple Murano Vase with Lions Head

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Murano Sommerso Red Green Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Pony Horse Head Figurine

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Vintage Italian Pair of Murano & Brass Egret Sculptures

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Vincenzo Nason Italian Murano Horse Head

Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Animal Sculptures

Outstanding Harlequin Head Door Handle, Brass and Murano Glass, Vintage, Italy

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Set of Three Murano Horses Head Sculptures by Sergio Costantini, 1980s

20th Century Italian Modern Figurative Sculptures

Italian Murano Glass Mounted Silver Band Figures

Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Table Lamps

Pair of Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency Rams Head Urn Lamps

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Pair Of Wall Lights In Gilt Wrought Iron, By Banci Firenze, Italy c.60's

Vintage 1950s Italian Sculptures

Murano Glass Head

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Glass

"I Monolitici" a Beautiful Mosaic Sculpture with Murano Glass Head

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Glass

"I Monolitici" a Beautiful Mosaic Sculpture with Murano Glass Head

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Glass

"I Monolitici" a Beautiful Mosaic Sculpture with Murano Glass Head

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Glass

"I Monolitici" a Beautiful Mosaic Sculpture with Murano Glass Head

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Sergio Rossi Murano Glass Sculpture Heads Unique Piece of the 1970s

20th Century Glass

Pair of Murano Horse Heads in Clear Black and Gold Glass

Late 20th Century Austrian Glass

Murano Glass Paperweight "New York Head" by Kiki Kogelnik

20th Century Italian Glass

Vintage Murano Glass Sculptural Head or Bust of a Gondolier by Stefano Toso

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass