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

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 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

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

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 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

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 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 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.

Murano Glass Black

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Vases

21st Century Alessandro Mendini Murano Glass Small Vase Black

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

New Old Stock, Murano Glass Shell Bowl Antonio da Ros, Cenedese Italy 1960s No 2

Late 20th Century Italian Animal Sculptures

Pair of original Vintage Murano Glass Penguin Sculpture, black and white Italy

Late 20th Century Italian Animal Sculptures

Sculpture in Murano glass dark blue swan black crystal details Formia Venezia

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces

Murano Elephant, Italian (Caroli label)

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Glass

Carlo Scarpa Murano Vase for MVM Cappellin, Italy, 1930s

Vintage 1970s Italian Minimalist Chandeliers and Pendants

1970s Mazzega Murano Glass Pendant Chandelier, 3 Lights and Chromed Black Steel

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Murano Glass Sommerso Block "Smoked" Cube Ashtray Element, Italy, 1970s

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Mid Century Modern Vintage Murano Glass Vase Attributed Flavio Poli

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Mid-century Archimede Seguso Alabastro Murano Art Glass Penguin Decanter Bottle

Mid-20th Century Italian Ashtrays

Mid Century Purple Flower Murano Glass Small Ashtray Bowl, Italy, 1970s

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Sommerso Art Glass Seal Sculpture by Murano

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

Blue Yellow Black Bowl Art Glass Decorative Dish Signed Murano ICET Venezuela

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Murano artistic vase "pulegoso" Napoleone Martinuzzi for Venini 1930s

Late 20th Century Italian Animal Sculptures

Couple of dancers Sculpture Red and Black original Murano glass, Italy in stock

2010s Italian Vases

Leone Panisson Signed Italian Murano Glass Vase Vetreria Bisanzio Gallery 2014

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces

Murano 1950, Italian, Technique: Bubbles controlled

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces

Murano couple of roosters, 1960, Italian

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Murano Art Glass Sputnik Mid-century Chandelier and Pendant, 1980

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Glass

Murano Geode Bowl by Cenedese

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Vintage Murano Tray by Venini 1960

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Post-Modern Figurative Sculptures

Murano Orange with Black incluisions Handblown Flower

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

A. SEGUSO - Murano Controlled Bubble Amethyst Glass Ashtray - Italy - C.1960 s

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Amber Murano glass Lamps

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Italian Handcrafted Small Blue Glass, 1970s

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Stunning Smoked Grey Hand Blown Murano Glass Spiked Starburst Chandelier

Early 2000s American Modern Vases

2004 Hawaii Big Island Glass Fine Art Vase Red Black Hugh Jenkins + S. Ross

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Crystal Serveware

Set of Three Modern Murano Glass Goblets, Blue, Red and Amethys

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

1960s Murano Vase Style Flavio Poli Submerged Art Glass

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Centerpieces

Murano Color blue, 1940, Italian, Style: Art Deco

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Stunning Murano Glass "Scavo" Black Glass Bowl / Compote by Barbini

Vintage 1920s Italian Art Deco Crystal Serveware

Vase in Murano, Italian, 1920

Mid-20th Century Italian Vases

1950s Murano Glass Vase by Arte Vetraria Muranese

Vintage 1950s Italian Art Deco Crystal Serveware

Murano glass centerpiece blown "Pauly" model 1930s Salimbeni

Vintage 1950s Italian Art Deco Crystal Serveware

Murano glass goblet blown "Pauly" model 1930s Salimbeni

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Decorative Bowls

Contemporary Italian Black and White Murano Art Glass Mosaic Curved Centerpiece

Vintage 1960s Italian Vases

Pair of faceted Murano Sommerso glass vases by Alessandro Mandruzzato

21st Century and Contemporary Tableware

Murano glass plate - Design Eliana Lorena, Asia C

21st Century and Contemporary Tableware

Murano glass plate - Design Eliana Lorena, Asia C

21st Century and Contemporary Tableware