Question 1

What is etched glass?

Accepted Answer

Etched glass is a type of decorative glass which is the result of small cuts made to the glass. The cuts, which appear white, typically form patterns or images.

Question 2

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 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

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 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

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 16

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 17

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 18

Is Murano glass worth anything?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some Murano glass is worth something. Typically, antique pieces from the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th centuries tend to be worth significantly more than 20th-century and contemporary glassware from Murano. Collectors frequently look for pieces made by particular artisans, such as Paolo Venini, Alfredo Barbini, Carlo Scarpa, Vittorio Zecchin, Lino Tagliapetra and Carlo Moretti. Others seek out pieces that display certain glassmaking techniques, such as filigrana, which gives glass a lace-like quality. The size, age, condition, type and style all contribute to the potential value of Murano pieces. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you with the valuation process. Find a large collection of Murano glass on 1stDibs.

Question 19

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 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 Etched Glasses

Vintage 1920s Italian Wall Lights and Sconces

Venetian Etched Woman and Man Murano Glass Mirror Sconces, circa 1920

2010s Italian Table Lamps

Pair of Etched Aubergine and Multi-Color Murano Glass Table Lamps

20th Century Italian Renaissance Wall Mirrors

Italian Venetian Murano Etched Floral Design Wall Mirrors

2010s Italian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Baker Street Muse Pendant Lamp in Solid Brass Acid-Etched Murano Glass

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Two Large Antiqued and Etched Venetian / Murano Glass Octagonal Wall Mirrors

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Vintage Murano Fontana Arte Attributed Etched Glass, Nickel Pendant Chandelier

Early 2000s Italian Baroque Revival Wall Mirrors

Vintage Venetian Murano Mirror With Etched Glass and Pink Floral Details, Italy

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Grey Faceted Art Glass Vase with Etched Stripes

20th Century Italian Wall Mirrors

Vintage Italian Murano Octagon Mirror, Glass, Etched Design, Ca. 1950s

20th Century Italian Baroque Wall Mirrors

Italian Venetian Murano Etched Floral Design Wall Mirror

1990s Baroque Wall Mirrors

Italian blue Murano glass mirror, acid etched, Ongaro e Fuga

Vintage 1940s Italian Table Mirrors

Itailan Murano Barovier Style Vanity Tray with Etched Mirror Twisted Glass Rope

Vintage 1960s Italian Hollywood Regency Wall Lights and Sconces

Venetian Etched Woman and Troubadour Murano Glass Mirror Sconces, circa 1920

Vintage 1930s Italian Neoclassical Revival Wall Mirrors

Large Fine Quality Antique Venetian Etched Glass Murano Wall Mirror

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Vases

Milleriquadri Carlo Moretti Contemporary Clear Glass Murano Hand Etched Vase

2010s Italian Art Deco Floor Lamps

Baker Street Muse 2-lights Floor Lamp in Solid Brass Acid-Etched Murano Glass

2010s Italian Art Deco Floor Lamps

Baker Street Muse 3-lights Floor Lamp in Solid Brass Acid-Etched Murano Glass

2010s Italian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Baker Street Muse 2-lights Chandelier in Solid Brass Acid-Etched Murano Glass

2010s Italian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Baker Street Muse 3-lights Chandelier in Raw brass Acid-Etched Murano Glass

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Table Lamps

Italian Murano Mazzega Intaglio Etched Glass Table Lamps Pair of Vintage

20th Century Italian Baroque Wall Mirrors

Italian Venetian Murano Oval Etched Floral Design Wall Mirrors

Early 20th Century Italian Rococo Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors

Venetian Antique Ornate Etched Decorative Mirror

Vintage 1940s North American Hollywood Regency Table Lamps

Hollywood Style Cut Pressed Murano Glass Leaf Form Table Lamp W/ Etched Detail

20th Century Italian Renaissance Wall Mirrors

Italian Venetian Murano Octagonal Etched Wall Mirrors

Antique 19th Century Italian Wall Mirrors

19th Century Venetian Etched Glass Mirror with Leaves and Flowers

2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Itzel Transparent and Etched Kiln Cast Glass Coffee Table Set by Fred&Juul

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Vases

Laura De Santillana Murano motted red glass vase etched Tropical Fruit signed

Vintage 1960s Italian Table Lamps

Mid Century Modern Table Lamps in Green Acid Etched Murano Glass by Seguso.

20th Century Wall Mirrors

Ongaro e Fuga Italian Venetian Murano Etched Floral Design Wall Mirror

2010s Italian Modern Gueridon

Olaf Polished and Etched Cast Glass Sculptural Side Table by Fred&Juul

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

Pair of Unique Murano Glass Lamps

Vintage 1930s Italian Wall Mirrors

Mid 20th Century Murano Glass Wall Mirror

2010s Italian Modern Gueridon

Olaf Pink Polished and Etched Cast Glass Sculptural Side Table by Fred&Juul

2010s Italian Modern Gueridon

Olaf Green Polished and Etched Cast Glass Sculptural Side Table by Fred&Juul

Vintage 1930s Italian Table Lamps

Pair of Blue Murano Glass Lamps

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Pair of Sconces in Etched Glass, Cut Crystal and Brass, Attributed to Venini

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Mid-Century Modernist Reverse Etched Venetian Mirror W/ Murano Appliqués

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Bottles

Postmodern Round Cyan Murano Glass Bottle by Alfredo Barbini, Italy, 1980s

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Venini Inciso Gray / Green Glass Vase, Three Line Acid Etched

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Wall Mirrors