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

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 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

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 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

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.

Question 19

How can I spot real Murano glass?

Accepted Answer

To 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.

Question 20

How can you tell if a glass rooster is Murano?

Accepted Answer

To 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.

Tortoise Murano Glass

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Murano Art Glass Manta Ray Tortoise Spotted Bowl Ashtray Vintage 1960s

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Barware

Large Italian Tortoise Serving Tray in Murano Art Glass Style 1970s

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Pitchers

Vintage Tortoise Shell Hand-Blown Glass Pitcher

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Decorative Bowls

Large Italian Tortoise Murano Art Glass Bowl 1970s

Vintage 1930s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Ercole Barovier (attributed) Murano Glass Tortoise Figurine Italy, circa 1930s

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Seguso Tortoise Turtle Figurine Sculpture Pink Alabastro Murano Studio Art Glass

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Purple Amethyst Blue "Sommerso" Murano Art Glass Italian Tortoise Figurine

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Smoked Tortoise Glass Double Sphere & Bronze Sconces

20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Decorative Bowls

Italian Amber Murano Art Glass Bowl, Tortoise Shell Motif Hand Blown Glass Bowl

Early 2000s Italian Organic Modern Vases

Murano Style Leopard Tortoise Brown and Beige Signed Art Glass Large Vase

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Large Mid-Century Modern Murano Style Brown and Tan Tortoise Shell Glass Vase

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Tall Oblong Mid-Century Modern Murano Style Brown and Tan Tortoise Glass Vase

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Vintage Maestri Vetrai Tortoise Pattern Glass Vase, 20th Century, Italy

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Vases

Italian Tortoise Shell Blown Art Glass Footed Vase Vintage from 1970

Recent Sales

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

1970s Mid-Century Modern Fake Tortoise Murano Glass Vase

Vintage 1950s Italian Serving Bowls

Large Green Tortoise Murano Glass Bowl with Aventurine

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

1970s Animalier Murano Glass Small Bowl Attributed to Barovier

Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Mounted Objects

Oversized Vintage Murano Tortoise Hand Blown Art Glass Giant Pear 2ft Tall 1950

20th Century Italian Barware

Murano Tortoise Pattern Ice Bucket / Wine Cooler

Vintage 1960s Italian Glass

Large Barovier Toso Tortoise Bottle Decanters Murano

Late 20th Century Italian Bohemian Barware

Vintage Highball Footed Glasses Amber Tortoise Shell Color Set of 3

Vintage 1960s Italian Flush Mount

Tortoise Shell Murano Glass Fixture

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Vases

Vintage Murano Style Tortoise Shell Vase

Vintage 1950s Italian Table Lamps

Pair Murano tortoise glass lamps

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Italian Murano Style Tortoise Shell Glass Vase

20th Century Italian Table Lamps

Pair of Murano Glass Tortoise Shell Lamps

Mid-20th Century Italian Table Lamps

A Murano Tortoise Shell Glass Vase As A Lamp

20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Vases

White Cristal Tortoise Hue Murano Glass Vase - Made in Italy

Vintage 1960s Italian Table Lamps

Pair of Faux Tortoise Glass Lamps

Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Vases

Vintage Italian Tortoise Shell Blown Art Glass Vase

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Large-Scale Murano Glass Lamps

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Dinner Plates

Set of Twelve Faux Tortoise Murano Glass Plates

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Large Tortoise Murano Glass Footed Vase

Mid-20th Century Italian Organic Modern Vases

Mid-Century Murano Leopard Tortoise Shell Pattern Glass Handkerchief Vase, 1960

Late 20th Century Ashtrays

Murano Glass Faux Tortoise Shell Round Ashtray, Mid-Century to-late 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Barware

Murano Italian Art Glass Tortoise Shell Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket MCM 10"

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces

Italian 1980's Tortoise Shell Glass Centrepiece Bowl

Late 20th Century Italian Vases

Murano Tortoise Shell Art Glass Vase

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Lidded Italian Murano Tortoise Style and Gold Fleck Glass Box with Brass Closure