The ancient tradition of Murano art glass began in the city of Venice and the adjacent island of Murano in the 13th century.
Vases and other decorative objects in Murano glass are created through a complex manufacturing process consisting of different phases of heating and shaping different types of glass. This method requires advanced skills and expertise handed down from one generation of artisans to another.
Valuing Murano glass requires considering several factors, starting with the authenticity of the piece, as genuine Murano glass is handcrafted by skilled artisans on the island of Murano and often bears a signature or label from a recognized workshop. Craftsmanship plays a crucial role; the complexity of the design, use of traditional glassblowing techniques, and the skill required for its creation can greatly influence its value. Age and provenance are also important—older or historically significant pieces from well-known artisans or workshops, such as Venini or Barovier & Toso, tend to have higher value. Condition is another key factor; cracks, chips, or repairs can significantly diminish the worth. Lastly, the rarity of the design, color, and type of piece (e.g., chandelier, vase, or sculpture) will also affect market demand and its overall appraised value. Consulting with a certified appraiser who specializes in Murano glass or acquiring documentation of authenticity can provide a more precise valuation.
Ercole Barovier is considered to be the most influencial figure in the Italian glassmaking art of the 1920’s and 1930’s. His family’s workshop Artisti Barovier was established in 1878 and merged with Ferro Toso, another prestigious glassmaking firm, in 1936.Artisti Barovier worked with some of the best glass masters in Murano, among which the famous Vittorio Zecchin, well-known for his glass mosaic paintings.
The most glorious period for Murano was the post-war years: most collectors of antique Italian art glass are interested in the Murano glasses produced between 1940 and 1960.Venini is one of the most highly regarded glass factories of the post-war period, which collaborated with architects and artists such as Carlo Scarpa, Fulvia Bianconi, and Gio Ponti.
Works by Toso, Barovier and designs by Vittorio Zecchin will be on sale in the upcoming auction Murano 1890-1990: un secolo di arte vetraria at Cambi Casa d’Aste on June the 16th.
