Why Italian Glassware Is the Preferred Choice of Art Glass Collectors
As lovers of culture, we want to surround ourselves with beautiful, heritage pieces. Studies show that an average of 33% of people are collectors of some sort – some do it for personal satisfaction, whereas others do it for investment purposes.
Italian glassware is one of the most popular items to collect, mainly due to its quality, artistic value, long history and uniqueness. Whether you go for a modern or vintage piece, the value of this type of glass is gradually growing, with collectors being drawn to its interesting designs and high-quality craftsmanship, often associated with famous names in glass art. By reading this article, you can find out more about why you too should set your eyes on Italian glassware.
How to Recognize Italian Glassware
With counterfeit goods making up about 2.5% of the world trade, the chances of coming across a fake are uncomfortably high. This is why you should learn how to recognize an original piece. Proof of origin (such as a certificate of authenticity) or an etched signature is a tell-tale sign that the item you are holding is an original.
You might feel like imperfections are the sign of something counterfeit, but when it comes to Italian glassware, it’s the opposite. Unlike glass that has been mass-produced, genuine Italian glass will often have some tiny bubbles, imperfect polish, or slight asymmetries that suggest it has been handmade. Genuine Italian art glass pieces also have rich bright colors, radiance, and clarity that you can rarely find with a mass-produced piece.
You can also recognize an original by becoming familiar with the different types of Italian glassware. Collectors have been most interested in the following types of Italian glass:
Empoli Glass: Dating back to Tuscany in the 16th century, Empoli glass was originally known as “verde,” which is Italian for “green.” Most glass pieces are found in green or blue, but other hues can also be found, mainly with decorative goblets and bottles.
Roman Glass: With their origins in Roman glassblowing, these pieces feature elegant shapes, often along with an iridescent finish.
Murano Glass: Among the most popular options, Murano glass pieces are known for their vibrant colors and creative designs. The diverse techniques make it possible to create anything from statement jewelry pieces to decorative glass bowls to animal sculptures.
If you are not sure whether or not a piece is original handcrafted art glass, you can run it by a professional in the field.
Top Reasons Collectors Covet Italian Glassware
Italian glassware is prized for various reasons. Below are some key factors that make it a valuable possession for collectors:
Limited Editions Bring Artistic Value
Italian glassware is handmade, which means that every piece contains a personal touch from the artisan. Many of these pieces are either in limited edition or signed, making them even more valuable with time. A vintage object from a renowned artist can fetch a high price at an auction, especially after the artist has passed away.
The Multitude of Techniques Used
Whether you are looking at Roman or Murano glass, each piece uses diverse techniques to get the perfect design. Some may use the Millefiori method, which gives off a floral effect. Others use Filigrana, making the piece look like lace. Irrespective of your investment, the technique used adds to its value.
Aesthetic Appeal in Colors
Perhaps the main reason why so many collectors choose Italian glass lies in its vibrant colors, ranging from bold hues to soft pastels. They can also be found in different shapes, some more eclectic than others. This makes them easy to match every home design, no matter if the collector is using it for a statement piece or a subtle accessory.
Versatility of the Pieces
Italian glass can be blown and shaped into different pieces, depending on its intended use. For example, Murano glass jewelry has gained plenty of attention, especially with the expected growth of the jewelry market in Italy.
The Durability of the Glass
While not impossible to break, Italian glassware is often more resilient compared to regular glass. This durability is exactly what makes these pieces great collectibles because they can be preserved effectively, which helps boost their value. With proper maintenance, Italian glass can last for generations.
High Demand
Centuries have passed, and Italian glassware is nowhere near losing its popularity streak. In fact, it is gaining more popularity as we speak, as it has become synonymous with elegance. Any antique glass vases or sculptures that you purchase today can significantly go up in value over the next decade or more.
Popular Italian Glassware Pieces to Collect
The beautiful thing about Italian glassware is that you can purchase any item that you want and still get great value from it. Below are some popular choices among collectors:
Murano Glass Vases: These are hand-blown and feature beautiful details and patterns. Interior decorators love to use them as statement pieces and focus points of the room. It’s not hard to pick the right piece with designs and interesting patterns that can match the rest of the decor, from rugs, curtains or pillows to furniture pieces.
Rare Jewelry: Limited edition jewelry such as Murano pendants and necklaces crafted of antique Venetian glass beads are in high demand, as they are handcrafted using multiple complicated techniques that often have been in use for centuries.
Goblets and Stemware: Whether they are made from Murano or Empoli glass, these items are seen as a symbol of luxury and make any dinner table or bar look rich and unmistakably Italian.
Sculptures: Italian artisans are known to produce lifelike and whimsical sculptures shaped like birds, animals or fruits, featuring numerous embellishments.
Chandeliers: Nothing says “sophisticated” better than a fancy chandelier, and Italian glass is the top choice for these objects. Murano Glass chandeliers have been used to light up posh residences in and outside of Italy for centuries. They not only provide great light but also feature amazing floral designs, vibrant hues, and intricate motifs to embellish any space.
No matter how much time has passed, these items are unlikely to fade in popularity. Collectors can rely on them as timeless investments since they show the finesse of Italian glassmaking.
Where to Buy Italian Glass
As a collector, you want to know that the pieces you are buying are original. Thus, it becomes extremely important where you choose to buy them. With the counterfeit market at such a high point, you can never know when you accidentally come across a very realistic-looking fake piece. Here is where you should look for original Italian glassware:
Murano, Italy: If you want to be sure the piece you get is original, it’s best you go directly to the source. The island of Murano is the home of Italian glass artisans, so you can be sure that every piece from a legitimate shop there is original.
Reputable Dealers and Galleries: Trusted sources outside Murano often specialize in Italian glassware and can determine whether or not a piece is a fake. They can source a product with all the right certifications to make sure you get something qualitative crafted by a reputable master.
Online Marketplace: Plenty of online shops can offer easy access to Italian glass pieces, whether you are looking for Murano Glass sculptures, decorative glass bowls, antique glass vases, or Italian glass tableware. When selecting an online seller, make sure they have a lot of information about the glassware that they sell, offer a wide variety of objects, have good reviews and provide a certificate with every item.
The more time you spend on research, the likelier you will be to come across a genuine piece of décor.
Is Italian Glass Worth It?
If you are interested in purchasing Italian glassware, you can be confident that the right art glass object will make a great accent in your home or office and can be a worthwhile investment. Vintage or limited-edition pieces, especially those made from Murano glass, can grow in value over the years. Make sure to research some renowned artisans and learn the tell tale signs of their workmanship so that you can buy a genuine piece. If your collection is properly cared for, you will likely have a great legacy to pass on.
