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

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 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

What makes Murano glass so special?

Accepted Answer

Murano 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.

Question 18

Is Murano glass always marked?

Accepted Answer

No, Murano glass isn't always marked. It's important to note that Murano doesn't refer to a single manufacturer but rather to a host of workshops located on the island of Murano in the Venice lagoon. Many of these makers add stamps, labels and signatures to their work, but not all do. If you're unsure whether a particular piece is Murano, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you with identification. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Murano glass.

Question 19

Does Murano glass hold its value?

Accepted Answer

Whether 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.

Question 20

How can you tell if a bird is Murano glass?

Accepted Answer

To 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.

Murano Glass Urn

Late 20th Century British Glass

Handblown Murano Glass Urn

Vintage 1970s Italian Art Deco Table Lamps

Pair Coroso Finish Murano Glass Urn Form Lamps

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Urns

Cenedese Tall Blue Vintage Italian Murano Glass Urn, Vase or Jar

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Urns

Tall Blue Vintage Italian Murano Glass Urn or Vase by Cenedese

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Vases

Beige/ Golden Murano Glass Urn Vase With 24 K Gold Flakes by GABBIANI, Italy

2010s Italian Urns

Pair of Murano Glass “Baloton” Urns

Mid-20th Century Italian Vases

Pair of Murano Glass Urn Shaped Vases

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid-Century Modern Handblown Murano Glass Urn Lamp

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Large Decorative Italian Vintage Blown Murano Glass Urn Vase

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Baby Blue Murano Glass Urn or Lidded Vase by Cenedese Vetri

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

VeArt 1960s Italian Pair of Copper Silver Speckles Black Murano Glass Urn Lamps

20th Century Italian Modern Urns

Pair of Red Italian Murano Urns

Late 20th Century British Urns

Murano Green Urn, Circa 1950's

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

1990s Italian Pair of Tall Iridescent Glass Lamps / Urns Attributed to Seguso

Vintage 1950s Italian Art Deco Vases

Cenedese 1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian White Scavo Murano Glass Round Vase

Antique 1860s Italian Urns

Suite of Two Murano Amber with Gold Flecks Glass Urns by Stefano Toso

Vintage 1980s American Modern Urns

Karl Springer Monumental Hand Blown Scavo Glass and Bronze Urn 1980s

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Urns

Cenedese Tall Cobalt Blue Vintage Italian Murano Glass Vase

Late 20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Wall Lights and Sconces

Banci Firenze Murano Flower Wall Sconce

Mid-20th Century Urns

Collectable vintage Fratelli Toso Murano Murrine Millefiori, Art Glass Vase

Antique Mid-19th Century British Urns

Murano Green Vase, Circa 1950's

Vintage 1960s Italian Urns

Mid Century Murano Vase

Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Urns

Vase Sfumato, Cirillo Maschio, Attributed Aquamarine with Morisa Murano, 1920s

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Venini Sommerso Urn Shape Pastel Color & Frosted Blown Murano Glass Vase, Italy

Vintage 1940s Italian Modern Glass

Set of Glasses and Carafe in Murano Glass by Seguso Vetri d'Arte

Vintage 1940s Italian Modern Glass

Set of Glasses and Bottle in Murano Glass by Seguso Vetri d'Arte

2010s Italian Modern Table Lamps

Murano Glass Blue Urn Lamps

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Italian Frosted & Infused Gold Scavo Glass Urn Vase, Vessel Handles Italy 1980

2010s Italian Modern Table Lamps

Murano Glass Light Blue Urn Lamps

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Floor Lamps

Pair of Modernist Torchieres in Smoked Handblown Murano Glass

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Vases

Gabbiani Venezia Glass Urn Vase with Gold Infused Handles, Italy

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid-Century Modernist Turquoise Murano Glass Table Lamp with Nickel Fittings

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Italian Murano Pulegoso Green Glass Urn Table Lamp

1990s Italian Table Lamps

Monumental Seguso Murano Glass Pulegoso Lighted Urns Lamps

Late 20th Century Italian Glass

Venetian Glass Goblets

Antique Late 18th Century Italian Rococo Religious Items

18th Century Pearl and Murano Glass Bead Altar Palmetti and Urn

Vintage 1960s Italian Neoclassical Vases

Fratelli Toso Murano Art Glass Neoclassical Urn Bud Vase, Italy, 1960s

20th Century Italian Neoclassical Revival Table Lamps

Italian Neoclassic Murano Urn Table Lamp

Vintage 1960s Italian Neoclassical Vases

Fratelli Toso Murano Art Glass Neoclassical Urn Bud Vase, Italy, 1960s

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases