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 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 3

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 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

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 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 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 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

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 19

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 20

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.

Murano Glass Black

20th Century Italian Ashtrays

Vintage Italian Bullicante Murano Glass Ashtray, 1970s

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Glass

1980s Seguso Attributed Modernist Murano Glass Figure of A Chinese Man

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Murano Italian Art Glass Fish Sculpture Statue, Italy Vintage 1980s

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Set of 6 Italian Champagne Glasses with Murano Glass-Accented Tray

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Mid-Century Modern Brow and Yellow Murano Glass Vase 1960, Ready to ship

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Stunning Vintage Sommerso Art Glass Elephant Sculpture by Murano

1990s Italian Post-Modern Glass

Blue Murano Glass Duck by La Murrina with Gold Leaf, Italy, 1990s

2010s Italian Serving Bowls

Murano Glass Nougat Purple Large by Stories of Italy

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

1970s Modern Blue Sommerso Faceted Murano Glass Ashtray by Seguso

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-P...

Mid-Century Murano Glass Ashtray or Bowl by Flavio Poli, Sommerso Murano Glass

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Murano Glass Vase, with black Swirls, 1980s by Vintage Murano Gallery

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

20th Century Murano Glass Vase - Amber/ Dark Red/ Blue, Mid Century, IT ca. 1960

2010s Italian Modern Centerpieces

"Deep Coral", Murano Glass Centerpiece, Handmade in Italy, Unique Design, 2022

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Bottle Paolo Venini 1950 Blu Color Murano Art Glass Serie Inciso made in Italy

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Vintage Blue and Yellow Sommerso Murano Glass Vase attr. to Flavio Poli, Italy

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Mid-Century Modern Blue/Yellow Sommerso Murano Glass Ashtray by Flavio Poli 1950

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Murano glass Renato Toso for Leucos ceiling pendant, Italy circa 1960s

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Ashtrays

1970s Blue and Yellow Sommerso Faceted Murano Glass Ashtray by Seguso

Vintage 1950s Italian International Style Ashtrays

Attributed to Venini ashtray in Murano glass bicolor circa 1950

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Murano Glass Faceted "diamond" Sommerso Bowl Element Ashtray Murano Italy, 1970s

Vintage 1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Ashtrays

Red and yellow Sommerso lighter by Seguso, Murano glass, Italy, 1970

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Glass

Fratelli Toso Pair Murano Glass Decanters/Bottles with Stoppers

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Pair of Modernist 14-Disc Sconces in Handblown Murano Black Translucent Glass

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Mid-Century Modern Figura Glass Candlestick, Vetreria Gino Cenedese, Murano

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Centerpieces

Amaizing Murano, Black and red color, 1930, Italian

Vintage 1970s Centerpieces

Set of Two Murano Glass Centerpieces by Carlo Nason for Mazzega, Italy, 1970s

2010s Italian Glass

FIZZY pink jug with black glass rim, by Giberto Venezia

Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Centerpieces

Set of Two Vintage Blown-Glass Grape Clusters

Vintage 1950s Table Lamps

Pair of Italian Murano Glass African Female Figure Table Lamps

Vintage 1960s Italian Glass

Two Salviati Murano Sculptures / Bookends in Mouth Blown Art Glass

Vintage 1960s Italian Ashtrays

Set of 2 Colorful Murano Glass Ashtrays Mid-Century Italian Design 1960s

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces

Mid Century Murano Art Glass Shell Bowl

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Set of 2 New Old Stock Murano Opaline Glass by Antonio da Ros, Cenedese, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Barware

Bordeaux and White Murano Glass Bowl, Italy, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Barware

Italian Red Blue Murano Glass Bowls, Italy, 1950s

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces

rare Murano Glass Bullicante dark red Bubble Bowl Element Shell Italy 1970

2010s Italian Glass

FIZZY Decanter in Pink with Black Glass Rim, by Giberto Venezia

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Heavy 1.6kg Glass "multicolor" Bowl Element Shell Ashtray Murano Italy, 1970s

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Exceptional Murano trasparent and black Glass Sputnik Chandelier - 51 glasses

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces