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

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 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

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 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 much is Murano glass worth?

Accepted Answer

How much Murano glass is worth depends on the size as well as on other factors. New Murano glass necklaces may cost up to $35 depending on the number of beads — a vintage Murano glass necklace may garner considerably more money — whereas a vase made of Murano glass can cost a few thousand dollars. Antique Murano art glass can fetch thousands of dollars at auction depending on the brand, the history of the piece, the technique used to design the piece and more. Find a collection of antique and vintage Murano glass jewelry and decorative objects on 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 Pear

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Alfredo Barbini Bullicante Aventurine Murano Glass Pear Scupture

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Murano Glass Pear Bookend Paperweight or Decorative Piece

20th Century Italian Glass

Murano Glass Gold Pear Sculpture

Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Barbini for Vetrarti, Murano Glass Pear, Air Bubbles and Gold, Italy, 1960s

Vintage 1950s Italian International Style Figurative Sculptures

Cenedese Murano glass set of pears with bubbles circa 1950

Vintage 1970s Italian Figurative Sculptures

Gold Murano Pear

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Murano Art Glass Apple and Pear, Hand Blown, Blue, Purple, Excellent Condition

Mid-20th Century Glass

Venetian Murano Art Glass Pink and Green Figural Fruit Pear by Alfredo Barbini

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

1960s Murano Sommerso Art Glass Apple Pear Bookends Italy

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Murano Sommerso Pear by Alfredo Barbini Art Glass Decor 1950s

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Serving Bowls

Italian Barbini Murano Art Glass Pear Shaped Green & White Bowl Trinket Dish

Antique Early 1900s Italian Glass

Antique "Biromia" Italian Murano Glass Pharmacy Apothecary Jar

Antique Early 1900s Italian Glass

Antique "Digitale" Italian Murano Glass Pharmacy Apothecary Jar

Early 20th Century Italian Modern More Folk Art

20Thc Murano Glass Apple & Pear Bookends, Pair

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Signed Livio Seguso Murano Gold-Accented Pear & Apple Glass Sculptures

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

Murano White Italian Art Glass Pear and Apple Fruit Sculptures

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Gradient Blue Gold Fleck Murano Glass Vase, Pear Shape

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

Murano White Sky Blue Italian Art Glass Pear Apple Fruit Sculpture Paperweights

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Livio Seguso Style Genuine Venetian Murano Italy Art Glass Pear Decorative Bowl

Vintage 1960s Italian Hollywood Regency Chandeliers and Pendants

Luxury Venetian Six-Light Silver Chandelier with Amber Pear Fruit Murano Glass

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Murano Orange Gold Fleck Bubbles Pear Top Italian Art Glass Container Vanity Jar

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Seguso Murano Red Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Pear Dish Apple Paperweight Set

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Large Murano Sommerso Art Glass Pear Sculpture by Fratelli Toso Italy

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Italian Murano Blue Blown Art Glass Pear Fruit Gold Flecks Leaf Paperweight

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Mid-Century Ruby Hand-Blown Pear Form Murano Glass Dish w/ 24K Gold Flecks

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

ALFREDO BARBINI - Green & Gold Murano Glass Lemon & Pear - Italy - Circa 1960's

2010s Italian Art Deco Table Lamps

Italian Murano Modern Sommerso Pear-Shaped Globe Lamp, Contemporary

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

Empoli Peach Color Italian Art Glass Grapes Pear Apple Pepper Fruit Sculptures

2010s Italian Organic Modern Table Lamps

Pair Of Italian Murano Modern Sommerso Pear-Shaped Globe Lamps In Aqua

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Archemide Seguso Murano Gold Sommerso Polvery Glass Bookend Sculpture

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

Italian Murano Fruit Sculpture Archimede Seguso

Vintage 1960s Italian Figurative Sculptures

Large Murano Glass Apple and Pear Bookends with Controlled Bubbles

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Vintage White Opaline Murano Pear by Barovier & Toso

Vintage 1960s Italian Bookends

Murano Sommerso Art Glass Apple and Pear Bookends

Vintage 1980s Italian Figurative Sculptures

Modern Murano Glass Decorative Apple & Pear with Black Sommerso, Cenedese, 1980

Mid-20th Century Italian Other Bookends

Murano Glass Aqua Blue Apple and Pear Bookends

1990s Italian Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Modern Murano Glass Decorative Apple and Pear, Marbled Gray Color, late 1990s

Mid-20th Century Decorative Boxes

Vintage Murano Glass Pear Box

Mid-20th Century Italian Decorative Boxes

Vintage Murano Glass Pear Box

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Objects