Topic: Daisy millefiori paperweight, Murano?

[sayitslowly]

This mostly primary color millefiori paperweight has daisies with different color centers but also clusters of tiny flowers. It measures 2¾" diameter and 2" high. I've looked at many paperweights online and while some of the daisy paperweights have Murano labels I don't think I've found one with the small clusters of tiny flowers that's identified.

As a under educated non-collector I appreciate any help.

[SophieB]

Hi there,

It is a Murano paperweight but I cannot tell you by which maker.

SophieB

[KevinH]

3 Fiori (a more recent Murano company but now closed).

A very similar weight, with a label on the the base, is currently for sale here. (I am making no comment on the asking price of that one.)

[sayitslowly]

Thank you both very kindly. One could only wish that it were worth that much, I'll watch and see 

[tropdevin]

***

Hi.  For some years I have noted a growing disparity in the asking prices of Murano paperweights between the US and the Rest of the World, contrary to the broad similarity for most other makers.  The mass produced ' for export' Murano items in the US - probably only second in number to the Chinese export pieces - seem to be regarded there more highly than in Europe.  Anyone know why?

Alan

[sayitslowly]

I was thinking that someone with more knowledge might have insight on your question. I'll give you a thought as an American but not a paperweight collector.

I think it's likely that many people here have at least heard of Murano glass (without knowing what exactly that means) but far fewer have heard of other makers or areas that make glass. I'm guessing that there is a certain assurance in name recognition even if it doesn't translate to higher quality for the non-serious collector.

I recall my sister-in-law years ago insisting that a piece of porcelain was very valuable because it said Limoges even though it was just a little souvenir ashtray. She'd heard of Limoges but didn't know anything beyond that. I imagine Murano glass falls in that category of a known name.

Of course Italy is popular travel destination for many Americans so there may be the nostalgia from past visits that triggers a buy.

[tropdevin]

***
Hi.  That is certainly a plausible explanation.  The lack of correlation between 'familiar name' and 'high quality' affects much more than paperweights!

Alan

[KevinH]

Another point about reasons for folk in the US buying (or at least, being offered by dealers) Murano weights could be the comparative lack of "generally affordable" decorative American millefiori weights.

Even now, there are fewer American paperweight makers providing millefiori weights as opposed to the more expensive, but quite superb, "Flora and Fauna" weights that have been popular in the US since Paul Stankard started the trend of "realism" in the late 1960s.