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Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass Paperweights => Topic started by: glasstrufflehunter on August 18, 2007, 10:30:37 PM

Title: Maker on this unusual weight
Post by: glasstrufflehunter on August 18, 2007, 10:30:37 PM
Found this on Ebay. I have never seen one quite like it so I snapped it up. Has Murano sticker and the quality is consistent with Murano. There is considerable sugar but no bubbles. Both the windows and the base have some polish lines kinda like what I've seen on old Seguso. The sticker looks newer so this is fairly recent. Has anyone else seen one of these tree weights? Any idea as to specific maker?

(http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/albums/userpics/10155/normal_TreeMur3.jpg)
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/albums/userpics/10155/normal_TreeMur1.jpg (http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/albums/userpics/10155/normal_TreeMur1.jpg)
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/albums/userpics/10155/normal_TreeMur2.jpg (http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/albums/userpics/10155/normal_TreeMur2.jpg)
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/albums/userpics/10155/normal_TreeMur4.jpg (http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/albums/userpics/10155/normal_TreeMur4.jpg)

The little triangles on the base are clear rubber feet I put on it to keep from scooting around in my cabinet.
Title: Re: Maker on this unusual weight
Post by: KevinH on August 18, 2007, 10:52:26 PM
An identically formed weight is shown in the Trade Catalogue for Zibo Zhaohai Light Industrial Products Co. Ltd. for year 2000. It was listed as ref ZH658 (larger version) and ZH659 (smaller version) and was sold with a wooden stand having three feet and pierced decoration.

A few years ago I notified an American eBayer about a another example of this weight, also sold with a Murano label. The seller told me that they received the item via a person in Germany.

Note that the edges of the white inner layer are very ragged. I believe this shows that the white was not applied as an overlay cup (or equivalent) but was powdered glass picked up off the marver (or some similar method) which after cutting does not produce a fine edge.

Personally, I think these are Chinese products that have had a generic Murano label added at a later time. Or does anyone know that they were really made in Murano - and then offered through Chinese outlets??
Title: Re: Maker on this unusual weight
Post by: glasstrufflehunter on August 18, 2007, 11:50:00 PM
That ragged underlayer is glass chips picked up from the marver. It looks rather like snow. When I look inside it looks almost like stubby stalactites.

I think I bought this from that same Ebayer you contacted. She said in the listing she bought it from someone in Germany.

I kinda don't think a Chinese outlet would be selling Italian glass because of the expense.

I usually can spot fake Murano right off. I feel a little sheepish at being buffaloed this time. But I did want an example of fake Murano for my collection and this is the nicest I've seen. I am also pleased to see something of this quality from the Chinese. I examined it more carefully and there is one tiny bubble in the clear glass.

Is there any way I can see that catalogue online?
Title: Re: Maker on this unusual weight
Post by: KevinH on August 19, 2007, 12:33:00 AM
Quote
Is there any way I can see that catalogue online?
I don't know of any online version of the catalogue, but it may be possible that the same type of weight is shown in some of the Chinese websites.

However, here are some images from the catalogue, relating to this weight:
Catalogue, part cover  (http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-8179)
Catalogue, part page 34 (http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-8178)
Catalogue, items ZH658/9 (http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-8177)
Title: Re: Maker on this unusual weight
Post by: glasstrufflehunter on August 19, 2007, 01:07:53 AM
Thanks!

I wonder if mine is the small weight or the big one. It's fairly large at 4 inches tall.
Title: Re: Maker on this unusual weight
Post by: Oak Leaf on August 21, 2007, 01:14:36 AM
That is a very nice looking paperweight.  It is nothing to sneeze at.