Is this genuine Murano glass?
MU-ra-no — three syllables; stress on the first. The 'u' is rounded and closed, not like English 'moo' but shorter.
Use this when considering any piece claimed to be from Murano. Genuine Murano glass is heavily imitated — the question shows you are a discerning buyer.
'Originale' (genuine/original) is the key adjective. Genuine Murano glass is made only on the island of Murano in the Venetian Lagoon and should carry the Vetro Artistico Murano trademark (a sticker or stamp). Antique Murano (pre-1950) pieces are particularly valuable and harder to verify.
Ha il marchio di Murano?
Does it have the Murano trademark?
The 'Vetro Artistico Murano' trademark was introduced in 1994 — only applies to modern pieces
Da quale maestro vetraio viene?
Which glass master did it come from?
Named maestri (Barovier, Venini, Seguso) significantly increase value
Ha la firma del maestro?
Does it have the master's signature?
Signatures on Murano glass are often engraved on the base
Murano glass has been made on the Venetian island since 1291, when the Republic of Venice moved its glassmakers there to prevent fires in the city. The techniques (millefiori, sommerso, lattimo) are still closely guarded trade secrets. Today the industry faces competition from cheap Chinese imitations sold as 'Murano' in Venetian tourist shops — genuine pieces are certified by the Consorzio Promovetro.