Topic: Another Id from 1st post

[Danny54]

Here is another piece....I do have a few pieces I would like some ID if possible, so I will keep you all busy

Reading the sig, I see Lap Rod '94, but cant find anything pertaining to Lap Rod/Murano
This piece is 8" high and weighs in at 1lb 2oz

[ahremck]

Why would you assume Murano?  I would assume a small studio maker.  If the marking is underneath on the base it probably comes from the UK, Canada or Australia.  If the marking is low on the side it probably comes from the USA.  It is always helpful to show the base in a photo, by the way.

Ross

[Danny54]

Why would you assume Murano?  I would assume a small studio maker.  If the marking is underneath on the base it probably comes from the UK, Canada or Australia.  If the marking is low on the side it probably comes from the USA.  It is always helpful to show the base in a photo, by the way.

Ross

This was sold to me in a lot of others as a Murano piece, this why the inquiry and ID, and were the etching is, is the base of the piece, down just below the number is the pontil

I have a bad feeling that the lot I bought isn't Murano, and trying to see if anyone recognizes any of the sigs I have posted

[ahremck]

Danny the problem with Murano attribution is that it is perceived by some sellers that any clear cased art glass is Murano - which is patently incorrect.  This because they really don't know what Murano glass can look like, and how infrequently(with the exception of high end items) it is marked by engraving.  I have dozens of Murano items and only 5 are engraved with Cenedese - no date!

The second problem is that Murano is perceived to be a more profitable name to sell - rather than say "art glass" in this case.  Relying on your lack of knowledge they achieve a sale.  A more experienced collector would immediately have rejected this vase as being Murano simply because of the engraved marking.

Murano glass with clear cased glass has several characteristics that rarely vary.  The base is usually ground flat, and highly polished.  The shape is rarely very symmetric except when the base has been place into a mould - they love a more free-form result.  I have come to realise that many "Murano" items I own were actually Japanese identifiable by their relentless symmetry.  There are certain colours that are rare in Murano and are in fact usually Bohemian/Czech in origin.  Even the tong marks where glass has been pushed to make decoration can be a clue as to what you are seeing - for instance a straight edge mark would push me towards a Bohemian attribution.

The best way to buy what you want is to study it carefully.  You have a monumental resource here.  Search through the back postings.  Get into the associated http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/ site for this Board.  Maybe join a Facebook group or two that specialises in Murano glass.  You need to know more than most sellers if you are not to be ripped off - deliberately or not.  By the way I have a small start on you I began collecting in 1980 - so don't stop this is a delightful hobby.

[Danny54]

Thanks for the insight ahremck

The seller, an auction house, claims they sell 100% murano, which I highly doubt they know exactly what Murano is, I have a few pieces from way back, and I bought these to put on my website for sale, but will no way represent these if I am not 100% sure they are authentic.

What bothers me about some of my pieces is the signature(or so called) are etched over existing normal wear scratches, this was the biggest red flag for me, on several pieces after close scrutiny and a good magnifying glass. This is what prompted me to contact the auction house.

These pieces are gorgeous, heavy, and brightly colored and very nice to look at, but I feel not murano, hence my postings here to try to get some clarity

Thanks so much

[ahremck]

Murano glass has become harder to attribute correctly because it is known that a lot of what is sold there actually comes from China.  This will be because the Murano makers can not compete on price for the lower end products like ashtrays and paperweights that they used to produce in profusion. 

Even when they have their original labels you need to read them carefully full of scepticism.  Made in Murano - may well be true - there will be a Chinese glass factory in a town named Murano.  Made in Murano, Italy is more likely to be from the correct place.  Designed in Murano may also be what the label really says - again it will not be made there.  The most common giveaway is the finishing of the base - it needs to be highly polished.

Good luck with your venture.  Sounds like yoou are going to learn quickly to me.

Ross