I was chatting to a leading auction house the other day and they mentioned to me that there was a lot of ‘Murano’ on the market lately. I totally agree. Every auction has ‘Murano’ of some sort these days, but there’s a massive difference in the quality and authenticity of ‘Murano’ from 'Murano'.
Like any business, there are senior employees and juniors. Those learning from the senior management and those that hold that title. Murano is much the same, with ‘interns’ or ‘apprentices’ who study art design and manufacture to those that have established names with leading furnaces. Think of these furnaces or factories as family-owned businesses, where the skills and techniques are passed down through the generations. Nowadays, Murano has set a general standard with pieces often (but not always), labelled and signed by the Master and in some instances with a Certificate of Authenticity.
You’ll also notice some glass labeled “Vetro Eseguito Secondo La Tecnica Dei Maestri Di Murano” which essentially translates to “glass created following the technique of Murano masters”. This is not glassware made by Murano masters. Also the term ‘crystal’ is used, but Murano glass is not crystal. If you see the Murano Glass Consortium sign on the piece with a QR code, this is an authentic piece of glass from Murano. It’s important to note that MCM (Mid-Century Murano) pre dates the period of QR codes and as such, you’ll need to know the style of the artist and their signature to authenticate a genuine piece from a Murano master.
Good Resources for Murano Glass:
Venetian Glass Info: https://www.venetian-glass.info/foundries.php
20th Century Glass: https://www.20thcenturyglass.com/glass_encyclopedia/glass_labels/glass_labels.htm
Murano Glass: https://www.muranoglass.com/en/marchio/guide/
Your Murano: https://www.yourmurano.com/en/murano-glass-trademark-origin-certified
Original Murano Glass: https://www.originalmuranoglass.com/
Glass of Venice: https://www.glassofvenice.com
Also check out Facebook Page: Murano Glass/Italian Art Glass, Empoli, for GLGD for resources.
This will give you some idea of the massive range of art glass and prices of Murano Glass. ArtMarkets have a genuine love affair with Murano Glass and what you see online in our store is the real thing. Often signed and/or labeled. Where there is no signature or label, we have identified as ‘attributed to’ as it follows the guidelines and styles of the Maestro’s of Murano. Start Collecting today: https://www.artmarkets.com.au/collections/glass
