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

What is black glass?

Accepted Answer

Black glass is a color of glass achieved by adding manganese to the glass batch. Although named black glass, when held to light, black glass is more of a reddish-purple.

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 Glass Black

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Sommerso Murano Glass Vase Mid Century Modern

2010s Italian Other Glass

Set of 6 Artistic Handmade Glasses Murano White Black Glass by Multiforme

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

1970s by Barovier Toso Murano Glass Plate

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Mid-Century Modern Blue and Black Sommerso Murano Glass Vase by Flavio Poli 1950

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Mid-Century Modern Murano Sommerso Glass Vase

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Murano Art Glass Green Cactus Plant, 1990

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Mid-Century Modern Murano Sommerso Glass Vase

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Mid-Century Modern Murano Sommerso Glass Vase

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Glass

Italian Murano Art Glass Candy, Set of 6

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Glass

Murano Smoked Glass Fish Sculpture by Licio Zanetti

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Glass

Vintage Seguso Murano Black Amethyst and Gold Foil Glass Trumpet Vase

Vintage 1950s Italian Other Glass

Flavio Poli Pocket Emptier Murano Glass, 1950, Italy

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Murano Art Glass Bowl Black Shell, Metals and Bright Colors, Attributed to AVEM

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Glass

1940s Art Deco Aventurine Murano Glass Rosolio Set

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Multicolored 1950s Italian Millefiori Murano Glass Bowl

Vintage 1950s Italian Other Centerpieces

Venini Centerpiece Murano Glass, 1950, Italy

2010s Italian Organic Modern Centerpieces

Italian Modern Art Black White Stripe Murano Glass Organic Vase Centerpiece

2010s Italian Organic Modern Centerpieces

Italian Modern Art Black White Stripe Murano Glass Organic Vase Centerpiece

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Italian Smoked Murano Glass Ashtray

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Midcentury Murano Sommerso Art Glass Vase, 1960s

2010s Italian Other Glass

Set of 6 Artistic Handmade Glasses Murano White Black White Glass by Multiforme

2010s Italian Other Glass

Set of 6 Artistic Handmade Glasses Murano White Black Grey Glass by Multiforme

Mid-20th Century Glass

Elegant 1960s Murano Glass Bowl in Striking Black and White

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Set of Six Vintage 1970s Murano Drinking Glasses

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Serving Bowls

Seguso Large Vintage Italian Murano Black Glass Bowl Attri. Maurizio Albarelli

Vintage 1980s Italian Glass

20th Century Italian Hand Blown Art Glass Murano Owl Sculpture

Mid-20th Century Ashtrays

Murano Glass Ashtray, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Mid-20th Century Barovier Toso, Murano Art Glass Egg Paperweight

Vintage 1960s Italian Art Deco Glass

Murano Black Glass and Brass Draped Vase or Bud Vase Vintage Italian

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Pair Vistosi Model S562 Murano Glass Sculptures in Brilliant Black and White

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Pair of Murano glass by Archimede Seguso 1960s

Vintage 1950s Italian Other Centerpieces

Venini Empty Pockets Murano Glass, 1950, Italy

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Moretti Carlo Murano Vase in Colored Opaline Glass

Vintage 1950s Italian International Style Glass

Archimede Seguso vase in Murano glass with gold and applied glass circa 1950

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Centerpieces

Italian Murano Glass Centerpiece by Alfredo Barbini

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Vintage Black and Multicolored Murano Glass Clown Trinket Bowl / Ashtray, Italy

Vintage 1950s Italian International Style Glass

Large Archimede Seguso italian bicolor 1950 Murano Glass Cornucopia

20th Century Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Murano Art Glass Wine Stopper or Glass Bottle Cork

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

"Barbarico" by Barovier Toso Bird Glass Murano Vase

Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays