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 ruby red glass?

Accepted Answer

Ruby red glass is a type of glass with a vibrant red color that comes from gold chloride. Ancient glassmakers once used the technique, which was then lost for centuries. In 1676, Andreas Cassius rediscovered the process, but it wasn’t until the end of the 19th century that glassworks began manufacturing ruby red glass in large quantities. Shop a selection of ruby red glassware 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.

Red Murano Glass

Vintage 1960s Italian Figurative Sculptures

Sailboat Sculpture by Sergio Costantini

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Glass

Pair of Large Decorative Murano Red and Iridescent Goblet Glasses, Italy 1940s

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Murano Kiss or Red Lips Glass Ashtray, 1970s, Italy

Vintage 1930s Italian International Style Glass

Zecchin Martinuzzi circa 1930 Murano glass

Mid-20th Century Italian Decorative Bowls

Mid-Century Murano Sommerso Glass Bowl - Red/ Orange Tones, Italy ca. 1960

20th Century Glass

Elegant Set of 2 Murano Glass Stemware - White with Red and Black Bases

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Large Vibrant Red Barovier Style Murano Art Glass Vase with Controlled Bubbles

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Unique Luxury 44 pieces Murano Glass Set, A.Ve.M Gold Dophins and Ruby Red, 50s

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Flavio Poli Murano Red Sommerso Multifaceted Glass Ashtray, Italy 1960s

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Set of Murano Decorative Glass in Red Green Sommerso Multifaceted, Italy 60s

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Murano Glass Sommerso Block "RED"Cube Ashtray Element Flavio Poli, Italy, 1970s

Early 20th Century Italian Barware

Antique Hand Blown Red and Clear Glass Murano Glass Flute with Gilded Details

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces

Livio Seguso Murano Purple Red Blue Alexandrite Art Glass Bowl

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Large Murano Glass "RED-WHITE" 1, 4Kg Bowl Shell Ashtray Murano, Italy, 1970s

Vintage 1950s Italian International Style Glass

Fulvio Bianconi Murano glass circa 1950

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Murano Art Glass Swan Catchall Red and Clear Glass, Vintage, Italy, 1960s

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Murano Glass Ashtray in Red, Black, and White

Vintage 1960s Italian Glass

AVEM Murano Zanfirico Bizantino "Tutti Frutti" Red Glass Vase

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Set of 8 Classic Cenedese Murano Glass Goblets Tipetti, clear with red accents

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Venini Murano Glass Book Ends with Red and White Murrine, Italy 1969

2010s Italian Glass

Set of 6 mixed Spring glasses with glass rims, made in Murano

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Archimede Seguso Murano Rust Red Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Decorative Bowl

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Barware

Red and Translucent Murano Glass Bowl, Italy, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Murano Glass "RED-ORANGE" Bowl Shell Ashtray Murano, Italy, 1970s

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Jars

Murano Red Glass Midcentury

Vintage 1950s Italian International Style Glass

Seguso Vetri dArte Murano glass circa 1950

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Murano Art Glass Sommerso Bowl Blue and Red Vintage, Italy, 1970s

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Barware

Italian Red Blue Murano Glass Bowls, Italy, 1950s

Vintage 1980s Italian Centerpieces

Italian Centrepiece in Murano Glass Red with 24-Karat Gold Bubbles

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Barware

Italian Red and Blue Murano Glass Bowl with Aventurine Gold Flecks

Vintage 1940s Italian Glass

Napoleone Martinuzzi, Venini, Murano. Set of five red wine glasses.

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Glass

Vintage Murano Alessandro Mandruzzato Glass Faceted Sommerso Bowl Red, Yellow

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Large Murano Glass white-red 1, 1 kg Bowl Shell 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 Renaissance Barware

Blue and Red Salviati Murano Glass Liqueur Goblet, Vintage Italy

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Murano Italian Midcentury Art Glass Bowl with Red and Green Trailed Designs

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

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

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Glass

Postmodern Pair of Teal, Red and Gold Liqueur Glasses by Salviati, Murano, Italy

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces

Rare Signed Cenedese Vintage Murano Glass Dark Red Colored Glass Cake Stand

2010s Italian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces