Topic: Interesting Arte Murano PW

[TxSilver]

I don't like to show auctions, but there is an interesting pw on eBay (#320469596898). When I looked at the top, I "knew" it was a Fratelli Toso weight. The murrines are ones they used in some of their pws. The side looked like it could be a Toso form, too. But the bottom revealed the truth. I would have never expected this label. For those who do not know, the Lavorazione Arte Murano label like this often appears on glass that is to be avoided. (The weight looks so nice to me I wonder if someone added the label??)

[Frank]

For those who do not know, the Lavorazione Arte Murano label like this often appears on glass that is to be avoided.

Tell more please.

[glasstrufflehunter]

Perhaps that labels does but that paperweight is Fratelli Toso. The other five paperweights he has it pictured with are Chinese

[TxSilver]

For those who do not know, the Lavorazione Arte Murano label like this often appears on glass that is to be avoided.

Tell more please.

The words themselves simply mean Murano style art glass (loosely). The label itself is found on many, many things that have questionable parenthood. I've not met anyone who knows who made them. Most are fairly high production, lower quality items that look good in pictures. If the label is correct they are made in Italy, but no one knows where. I guess one would say they are considered by Murano collectors to be the Italian version of high-production Chinese pieces.

The canes of the paperweight look very much like FT canes. The clover looks a bit different to me, but that may be my imagination. If the label is correct, some company may have purchased the old canes (or made new) and made what looks like an FT weight. Personally I would prefer to that the label is added, so I don't have to start looking at FT pws with suspicion.

[Frank]

OK, so the labels will probably be one of the Murano trade associations, which are known to be lax on how the labels are used. Made in Italy refers to the labels of course 

[TxSilver]

...Made in Italy refers to the labels of course  

I never thought of that! A glimmer of truth peaking out from a dark cloud. 

[TxSilver]

If anyone is interested, there is a new thread about a possible Lavorazione company on the Murano board, http://www.glassmessages.com/index.php/topic,30943.new.html.