Murano Glass: Knowing the Seals Made in Murano has its own seal Anabel de la Grange
Handmade Murano glass is one of the most sought-after artisan crafts in the world. The techniques used to make the glass vary from filigree, incalmo, lattimo, gold engraving or painted enamel, which results in unique creations of differing designs and effects.
Authentic Murano glass often has a gold foil oval label stating Made in Murano, Italy, but now a new system of numerical holographic stickers is being introduced as a protection against counterfeits. The label, a lilac-colored sticker seal with a glassmaker’s cana de soffio (blowpipe) and the Italian inscription “Artistic Glass Murano,” is printed on a film that is difficult to replicate or counterfeit; this will replace the gold foil Made in Murano, Italy” oval.
Outside of buying from reputed galleries and receiving a certificate of authenticity indicating the date of production, here are a few tips to ensure that you get what you’re paying for:
1. Look for an indication that a specific furnace produced the piece.
2. Murano style is not the same as Made in Murano.
3. Read up on glass blowing techniques. So you know which style suits your tastes.
4. Pieces made in the Venini Furnace have special value.
5. Historic Murano glass is authentic.
Most importantly, be aware that many of the classic styles of Murano vases, glassware and millefiori objects are now being counterfeited in Asia for sale overseas.
