In 2018, the most expensive piece of Murano glasswork was sold at $737,000 in Wright auction. Stearns completed the sculpture La Sentinella di Venezia (The Sentinel of Venice) in 1962. (Source: architecturaldigest.com)
Therefore, is Murano glass expensive? At the price of $737,000 which can buy you a house. A 5-inch vase costs hundreds of dollars too. Wright's also affirmed the prices for imported Italian Murano glass, as the sale totaled $2,737,450 and above the sale's estimated value for 81 percent of the lots sold.
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The fact is that glass from Murano is very special and exemplary especially when you want to keep something special from your experience in Venice. However, you have to take some time looking for the best products because there are many cheap imitations in Italy.
Why is Murano Glass Expensive
For collectors, the price is really depending on the demands and up to $737,000 as mentioned.
For tourists and visitors, you may end up getting a product for as low as $20 but you can get other products for as high as $1,000 as a visitor. There are several factors that Murano glass prices depend on.
- The difficulty of making the glass piece - This is the first and the most influencing factor to the prices of any glass piece you want to get from Murano. This depends on the technique used to make the art glass pieces. It depends on any of the techniques including the multi-step process and single-step technique. The multi-step process requires exceptional skills and precision to make the product. It also takes time to make that specific piece.
- Cost and difficulty of getting materials - This is the second most influencing factor that impacts on the price of Murano glass. If there are any difficulties in obtaining the raw materials or if it takes in a lot of money to facilitate the process, then there’re chances that you will pay more for the piece.
- Item type and color - If you are going for large and complex Murano glass pieces, then you should be ready to dig deeper into your pocket. Smaller pieces are likely to cost a few dollars.
How is Murano glass different from other types of glass? Murano glass is made from silica, soda, lime and potassium melted together in a special furnace at a temperature of 1500°C to reach a liquid state. Gold or silver foil are often added to the glass mixture, along with such minerals as copper for sparkles, zinc for white color, cobalt for blue, manganese for violet, and so on. The mixture is then mouth-blown and/or hand-crafted by master glassmakers using special techniques and basic tools, many of which have been developed in the Middle Ages and changed little since then. Meanwhile, your normal glass is made of sand, melted in higher heat at 1700°C.
Now you have all the information about Venetian glass art and have the entire information on how to but the glass and how much you should be ready to pay. On your visit to Venice, never miss a glass piece to take home with you.
Today, Murano is home to the Museo del Vetro or Murano Glass Museum in the Palazzo Giustinian, which holds displays on the history of glassmaking as well as glass samples ranging from Egyptian times through the present day.
Where can I buy Venice/Murano glass?
Although there are several places you can buy Murano glasses in Venice, there are two places that we highly recommend.
- Tommasi Glass - This is one of the oldest places where glass has maintained its quality over the centuries. Quality here is the first thing that they address before anything else. The price of all the glasses is reasonable when compared to other places in Venice. If you want to locate the company, then it is right at the heart of Murano district. For inquiries and questions, contact the industry through info@tommasi.info you can as well make contacts through39-041-736051.
- Atelier glass - Atelier is another place that is worth visiting. It is the best place to go when you are looking for gorgeous chandelles and mirrors. Contact the company through the below contact details: tel-fax +39-041-716727.
The History of Murano Glass in Venice
Murano is the suburb of Italy which dates back to the middle ages. Their glassmaking industry dates back to the same time where it attracted the finest of craftsmanship in history.
Murano started getting popularity for glass making in 1292 when they moved the glass making industry from Venice to Murano. The main reasons for this were entirely based on safety reasons. When the industry was based in Venice, the kilns kept on setting the fire because Venice by that time was made of wood.
After this time, Murano now became a hub for the best craftsmen for Venetian glass arts. It also grew into a rich village and almost every rich man of the time builds magnificent houses and palaces. Now Murano forms the bases of the Venice glass which is made from silica. This silica is extracted from the Cogoli Tesin Basic. The main reason why almost everyone wants to get a glass from this area is that their glass is renowned as the purest and most crystal clear glass in the world.
The most recognized Murano artwork is the exquisitely made murrine which is recognized as the most beautiful artwork in history. Murrines are still handmade and nothing has changed from how they were manufactured in the past centuries. When you are looking for this, you have to incur some money but there are enough reasons why you should pay for this. The sheer quality is at the core of the price you pay.
