Brazil vs Chalet vs Murano

[verredart1]

Hello all, newby here.

One thing I have been concerned about lately: I know the history of Murano and how to spot it (well 99% of the time.) Chalet from Canada is of similar quality (as their artists came from Murano back in the 50's).

I am now seeing a lot of "Brazilian Murano", especially on the 'Evil Empire by the Bay'. I realize that there is no such thing as "Brazilian Murano", many of these sellers are claiming a similar story to Chalet's for this Brazilian stuff. Is the Brazilian stuff, indeed, made by ex-pat Murano glass workers now living in Brazil? Or is this just marketing hype? If it IS made by Murano ex-pats, would the Brazilian glass have any future value (much as Chalet has become a legitimate collectible in its own right) or is it just pretty glass that won't be worth anything in the long run? (well, at least some of it is pretty, some of it is horrendous looking junk IMHO :eek:.)

Just curious and wanting to open a discussion....

-verredart1

[TxSilver]

This is a good discussion. The Brazilian Novica pieces are made by a company founded by members of the Seguso family that emigrated to Brazil. Some of the pieces are very pretty, but I have never held one in hand. It is hard to know the quality without owning some of the pieces. Maybe someone can offer some information on how well the pieces are made.

I think some of the best art glass that is being made right now is from the Pacific coast of the USA. I probably like it because the techniques are heavily influenced by the old Italian artisans. The only problem is that the glass is so expensive! I guess that one has to pay well for good art, though, to make it worthwhile for the glassmaker.

Anita

[spartina]

There are also expatriate Murano Glass blowers in Venezuela as well, they make ICET glass, but they do not have the name recognition of the Seguso family.
I can see this happening more in the future, with rising costs.