Topic: What is this?

[TxSilver]

I sent a message to the seller that the sig was a forgery and told him hold to contact the Bianconi's if he wanted to verify what I was telling him. I imagine a couple of other people in the group have done the same thing. I guess it is now between the buyer and seller... unless someone wants to contact the Bianconi's. I prefer to think the seller made a mistake and will do something to make it right.

Anita

[TxSilver]

Frank, I just remembered I didn't answer your question about who in South America makes things that pass as Murano. I believe that ICET is in Venezuela. Brazil also has shops that make glass that looks a lot like Murano. I guess I should also mention Mexico and the USA in North America -- we see a lot of their "Murano" on eBay. Some of the work is very good; it just isn't Italian. (Many of the modern Mexican pieces from Juarez are beautiful, so should be collectible in their own right.)

Anita

[chuggy]

Seller is a very genuine guy who has sold some very fine Murano pieces including a number of really nice Venini items, all totally genuine, so I suspect he has been duped on this.
Paul

[langhaugh]

Just a note to say that I've bought a few things from this buyer and I've been very happy with what I've received (although I can't say I have enough experience to know that everything is genuine). He's been been quite careful with attributions and very helpful when I've asked questions. I watched this piece and I'm grateeful for teh warning, although the $1000 was a little steep for me.

[Frank]

It is good to clear the sellers name! Very important when announcing fakes. There are not many bad eggs and their work goes round again and again.

[Anne]

I am struck by the similarity between the eBay item and this one: http://www.bedbathstore.com/etblva.html

[TxSilver]

Nice catch! It does look a lot like the vase, doesn't it? It gives us some idea of what the vase would have been worth on the retail market.

Anita

[TxSilver]

The seller wrote me this morning to let me know he was going to contact the Bianconi sisters before he completes the sale. I think we can add him to our favorite sellers list.

Anita

[Anne]

Did you mention this discussion to the seller as well, Anita? They may find the above link interesting.

[TxSilver]

I did not mention it to him, but I will if he writes back. I know that he is going to be disappointed when he contacts the Bianconi's. It is a lot of money for an eBay seller to lose. I think we should give Frank a pat on the back for bringing the vase to the group's attention. I looked at the signature on auction's vase and it looks a little different than the others I have seen. It is larger and scratchier than the others. I don't know if this forgery was done by the same person as the others were.

One thing I wondered was if Bianconi ever signed his work like this. Or did he use the standard company identifications? Bianconi is generally out of my range of affordability, so I haven't seen all of his signatures.

Anita