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

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 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.

Heavy Murano Glass

Vintage 1970s Italian Animal Sculptures

Murano Glass Brass Fish

Italian Table Lamps

Pair Murano Gold Glass Cylinder Lamps

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Vases

Murano Submerged Glass Vase Attributed to Seguso, circa 1970

Late 20th Century Italian Organic Modern Vases

1980s Organic Modern Sergio Costantini Style Purple Murano Glass Cylinder Vase

Vintage 1950s Italian Glass

Pair of Seguso Vetri d Arte Glass Fish

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Cenedese Murano Gold Leaf Glass Vase, Italy, 1980s

20th Century Italian Vases

Impressive Luciano Gaspari Sommerso Glass Bottle Vase

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Pair of Tall Murano Glass Rod and Brass Floor Lamps

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Glass

Rare and Unusual Italian Murano Gino Cenedese Glass Pinched Vase or Vessel

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Italian Midcentury Murano Extra Large Chandelier with 99 Crystal Glass Leafs

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Pair Pyramide Crystal and Brass Venini Murano Lamps Flush Mounts, circa 1970

Early 20th Century Italian Table Lamps

Exquisite Pair of Italian Handblown Murano Gold Glass Lamps

Vintage 1980s German Modern Flush Mount

Flush Mount Light Brown and Clear Swirl Murano Glass Wood Frame, Massive 1980s

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Mid-Century Sculptural Murano Glass Lamps by Seguso

20th Century Italian Vases

Sensational Sommerso Italian Murano Glass Vase/Vessel

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Vintage Midcentury Murano Sommerso Mauve Glass Bowl

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Vintage Mid 20th Century Italian Murano Glass Sommerso Vase

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Mid-Century Modern Picture Frame by Venini, circa 1970

20th Century Italian Glass

Heavy Murano Sommerso Glass Vase

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Italian Murano Grey and 23-Karat Gold Glass Lamps

Vintage 1960s Italian Glass

Italian Seguso Murano Heavy Sommerso Bullecante Glass Bowl

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

1970s Modernist Red Sommerso Square Murano Glass Vase by Mandruzzato

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Sculptural coffee table decorative, Murano glass

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Large Flavio Poli Vase Seguso Vetri d Arte Murano Glass Sommerso Italy 1950s

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

A Mid-Century Murano Sommerso Heavy Glass Desk Set

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Large Sputnik Murano Glass Chandelier, Italy, 1980

Mid-20th Century Italian Space Age Ashtrays

Murano Glass Heavy Ashtray, Italy, circa 1960

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Huge Flavio Poli Sommerso Verde Filo Blu Violetto Vase 1957

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Italian Murano Sommerso Sculptural Heavy Glass Vase or Vessel

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Heavy Bullecante Italian Murano Seguso Glass Vase or Candleholder

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

1970s Mid-Century Modern Murano Heavy Glass Bowl by Seguso

Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Large Murano Ice Glass Floral Flushmount Wall Light by Fischer Leuchten, Germany

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Livio Seguso Bisazza Rainbow Murano Art Glass Large and Heavy Abstract Sculpture

2010s Italian Modern Vases

Modern Italian Murano Glass Vase Turquois, Orange Colored by Alex Signoretti

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Beautiful Italian 1980s Vetri Murano Table Lamp in a Colorful Postmodern Design

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Glass

Murano Fulvio Bianconi for Mazzega Purple to Aubergine Glass Bowl Vintage

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Serving Bowls

Italian Murano Sommerso Heavy Bowl by Tiozzo and Ferro

20th Century Pitchers

Vintage L. De Rai Signed Heavy Murano Art Glass Pitcher with Picasso-Style Face

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Glass

Beautiful Italian Murano Cenedese Sommerso Chunky Glass Bowl

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants