Estate Sale purchase

[madcat]

Hi all. Newbie here. I'm interested in Murano Glass but have just begun collecting it.

I recently purchased a vase from an estate sale which has a red foil Murano label on it. The glaze is flaking off in places and it looks old.

I have attached a picture of the piece. I'm curious as to it's authenticity and value. Any comments and help would be very appreciated.

[glassman]

Hi Madcat, welcome to the Murano Glass forums!
I don't doubt that your vase is authentic Murano, the style, use of gold dust and murrine make it most probable. The hardest part is determining who made the particular piece. Does the label mention a mfr, or is it a standard "Made in Murano" label? Also regarding the glaze..im curious, what type of glaze is it, can you describe?

[publius71]

It seems like the glass should have been frosted, but had a glaze or matte paint added? Unusual.

[TxSilver]

The sparse placement of murrines reminds me of some of AVeM's vases. I don't recognize the murrines, however, and I don't know if they did satin glass or frilled rims. This is a good mystery.

Anita

[madcat]

Thanks for your replies, everyone.

The label only says "Arte Murano, Made in Italy." But at the top of it, I can only make out L-a-v-o-r-a-z....since the top of the label has been worn or torn away. Any ideas what the rest of the Name or Title is?

The glaze looks flaky and opaque. It comes off with just a little pressure from your fingernail.

And I didn't mention that the bulb or base of the vase is smooth but there is ribbing leading up to the frilled rim.

Other than the flaking glaze though, it's in wonderful condition.

[TxSilver]

It looked like a Lavorazione label to me, but the piece seemed to have too much age on it to be Lavorazione. I believe Lavorazione Arte Murano started production in the 1970's, but I'm not sure. I don't know too much about the company. I have a couple of their pieces -- a vase and a bowl. They are very pretty.

Anita

[madcat]

Here are pictures of the label and the flaking glaze.

[glassman]

TxSilver, i agree...

Madcat, Is there gold dust actually in the glass, or is the glass just colored?

For a pic of a complete label, but in blue, visit:
http://image.inkfrog.com/click_enlarge1.php?image=Murano_Candle_5.JPG&username=heavensantiques

There is some uncertainty regarding if Lavorazione Arte Murano is actually Murano glass..this is a good thread:


http://www.glass-time.com/messages/viewtopic.php?p=19074&sid=7af6f4e31cff5b9c37dd47d557585c6d

Ive owned, and sold, a figurine and a small vase with the red Lavorazione Arte Murano label as well, and was happy with the quality for the price paid.

However, even if there was no label, the glaze seems to be an inexpensive way to create a frosted effect, and wouldn't be a technique associated with a better Murano manufacturer. Due to the flaking condition, I dont think that it would be worth too much. However, I do like the vase itself and the scattered murrine. this may be heresay, but you might want to remove the glaze?:eek: :D

[madcat]

The glass underneath the glaze is actually gold. And the murrines are in the glass, not on the surface. So, it looks like a clear glaze over gold glass.

I have considered attempting to remove the glaze but only after talking with a professional first. I think it would be even nicer with a clear finish.

[TxSilver]

Thanks for the link to the discussion about Lavorazione and ICET, Glassman. This brings up a question that I have wondered for a few months now. Is there any relationship between Lavorazione and Crystal Clear? Their artwork looks so much alike that I have a hard time telling them apart. I checked Crystal Clear on the computer and found that they have labels from several places, one of them being Murano. I wouldn't be overly surprised to learn that Lavorazione and Crystal Clear pieces are made by the same people. I don't know, but I wouldn't be surprised.

ICET always confuses me. I don't even know how to pronounce the name: Ice-Tea or iset?

Anita

[glassman]

Thanks for the link to the discussion about Lavorazione and ICET, Glassman. This brings up a question that I have wondered for a few months now. Is there any relationship between Lavorazione and Crystal Clear? Their artwork looks so much alike that I have a hard time telling them apart. I checked Crystal Clear on the computer and found that they have labels from several places, one of them being Murano. I wouldn't be overly surprised to learn that Lavorazione and Crystal Clear pieces are made by the same people. I don't know, but I wouldn't be surprised.

ICET always confuses me. I don't even know how to pronounce the name: Ice-Tea or iset?

Anita

Hey Anita, Im not sure if they are connected, it has been suggested.
I always figured it was pronounce iset...but Ice-Tea sounds too much like the hip hop artist :)

[madcat]

I never gave the dimensions of this piece but it's large at 14" Tall X 7" diameter at the base.

And I thought you all might be interested to see what it looks like without the flaking glaze.

After talking with a person in Dallas, who agreed that it probably wouldn't be worth much as it was, and who also suggested that I remove the glaze, I decided to go ahead and see if I could.

Well, luckily, all it took was a little warm water and light scrubbing. Most of it rolled off in sheets. My husband thinks I've ruined the piece now but I do like it better clear. So even if I never attempt to sell it, I can enjoy it as part of my own personal collection.

What do you think? Any comments?

[TxSilver]

Uh-oh! We're into Murano pornography now. A naked vase <shudder>.

It looks like a simple amber glass, doesn't it? I see no problem in removing finishes. I've seen some things, e.g. Goofus glass, that looks better stripped. If something is not worth much, then stripping it is IMO okay. (Now, if it is antique or rare...)

I can never bring myself to alter something. For example, I have some gold-rimmed glass that would be beautiful if I took the worn gold rim off. I am a chicken when it comes to things like that. Good job getting past that hurdle. And yes, I think it looks better.

Anita

[madcat]

I'm thinking of seeing what it will bring on ebay. I don't have a lot invested in it so I'm curious to see what, if any, the interest would be. Any suggestions on starting price?

[TxSilver]

I haven't had any luck selling Lavorazione on eBay. I have one vase that is cased canes -- very pretty. I couldn't even give it away :( It now has the lead spot in the house on the dining room table with beautiful silk flowers in it. It looks as good there as the finest Salviati :)

Anita

[madcat]

I guess I'll list it and see what happens. If it doesn't sell, then I may keep in on my dining room table as well! Thanks!

[spartina]

Wow, I can't believe how good it looks! Great job! In my opinion, the factory should have never added the paint/glaze or whatever they added in the first place! Would be interested in seeing how it does on ebay.

[madcat]

Thanks. That's the way I feel. My husband doesn't think so but whatever. LOL!

The expert I talked with in Dallas thought it was Murano but that the glaze may have been added after it was purchased or even by another manufacturer since it was flaking so much and came off so easily. He didn't think it was original though.

We'll see how it does on ebay. I've gotten 3 inquiries about it so far but no bids. I'll just keep it if it doesn't sell.

[madcat]

Oh, and thanks for your comments!

[thegreatgigi]

Hi,

I just also received a vase that has the red label on it. My husband and I are having an Adoption garage sale to help raise funds towards the adoption of our child. A friend donated this towards the sale and I do not know anything about it. I wouldnt even know how much to ask for it.

Any suggestions or info about it would be greatly appreciated??

Oh and it stand over 12 in.

Gigi

[TxSilver]

The label looks like Lavorazione Arte Murano. Is that correct. If it is, it doesn't have a high value right now. If the garage sale people know they are attending the fundraiser, you may be able to ask a fair price. Good luck.

Anita

[thegreatgigi]

Thanks TxSilver. Any suggestions on what to price it?? I dont want to give it away but also dont want to ask too much.

[TxSilver]

In Texas, I would probably go for about $10, negotiate $7, then settle for $5 if it doesn't sell. All of this depends on the value of the dollar in your area. Texas has a lot of poor people and treasure hunters who frequent yard sales, so higher priced things don't sell. Please don't take my word as gospel, because I don't know anything specific about the vase.

HTH,
Anita

[thegreatgigi]

HI,

Thanks for the advice. I might just keep it because it is so pretty. LOL

[drabkin]

HI,

Thanks for the advice. I might just keep it because it is so pretty. LOL
Its a very nice vase, I think I would do the same ;)

[madcat]

The shape is identical to the one I had.

I got a fair price for it on ebay, though or I would have kept it.