Italian Art glass collecting tips!
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7 Things you SHOULD know Before You start your ART GLASS Collection
1. Do your homework- If you want to save time, money and space.
Research the area of glass you are interested in, before you buy.
2. Verify-Italian glass was/is a family protected art. Must of the well known
Master's have a special techinque or signiture with their work.
3. A Master's company label is not always proof- many unscrupulous
dealers will do this to up the value of their piece. This happened to me.
I later, research that my favorite Master, use the particular style. An
expensive lesson.
4. Master's of Blown Glass RARELY signed the glass. If you find a place
that many pieces that are signed, RED FLAG! I will be sharing how to
spot a new or fake signature.
5. Master's did do their technique and styles in several thickness and
weight, however these differents also aid in aging the piece. Such as
1950's, my personal favorite time period, was the bulky and heavier
pieces. Even a small piece, is surprisingly, heavier then it appears it
would be.
6. Color is another key, to help identify the time period. The sixties, for
example, introduced very shocking bright vivid colors. Though, there
are always exceptions...and that is why I have always referred to my
collecting as a treasure hunt.
7. Look closely for sharp edges, cracks around the joints of the object. If
possible, invest in a handheld uv lamp, repairs will show bright white!
Many times, I spent more the piece was worth because of cracks I did
not notice. I remember, one particular time, at a Northern California
Antique Mall, one shop owner had the tag tied with a beautiful ribbon
around a Seguso duck! What a Wonderful piece, I thought to myself.
Rare find, for the color, the label and I was sold.
When I removed the label , during inventory, the neck had a crack that
went all the way around. My uv lighting exposed the repair.
Seguso is one of my favorite masters, I have kept the piece. However,
the value drops down very low, nobody wants to buy damaged goods!
Not even me.
This is why I start this lens. To share with others that are just starting out collecting art glass. I welcome questions. And I am in the process of selling many of my art glass pieces, to make room for new pieces! Good Luck with your art glass collecting!
The 7 Most Important Things You should know when collecting glass.
Six Important Questions to Ask before you buy glass Online
WAIT: Do Not Buy glass from Online stores and auctions until you read my Six tips!
Ask the Seller these 6 important questions before you bid or buy art glass online:
1. Is there any damage or repairs. Ask the Seller to be your eyes and hands, and feel the glass for any sharp edges, chips, cracks or impact marks(as being dropped dink). Look for any repairs or buffed areas. If possible, ask them to look with a uv lamp too. Any factory flaws? I personally, do not mind most factory flaws. Such as tooling pressure marks, flea bites, surface bubble burst and even internal bubbles (when they do not belong in the design). Some people do not accept factory flaws and consider them damage. If you care about this, be sure to ask about any factory flaws on the glass. Many Antique dealers do not point out or mention flaws, considering that as splitting hairs.
2. What is the weight of the glass. This is really important, when collecting for a
certain time period, such as 50's. The popular glass, was bulky and heavy. The weight is much heavier then the measurements or size of the piece looks.
3. Ask the Seller about any history known about the piece. Such as, was it bought at an Estate Sale from the collection of a 95 year old man who sailed from Murano, IItaly? You would be surprised the great information you can get from a seasoned antique glass dealer.
4. Any Labels, signatures or acid stamps. Venini's factory was known for their
acid stamps, Signatures are rare, for example, Seguso has been known to sign pieces of special occasions or on gifts. Usually, foil labels help identify the period and the factory family name. There are some paper labels too. Venini imports were paper and usually two, the numbers and writings seem to more with the shipping then the inventory of the particular piece.
5. What is the Seller's return policy. I found that glass is a catchy item to have returned. Due to the delicate nature, the packaging of the glass is very important. I usually did not return my glass even with right to return, only because of the weight and cost of shipping. If there is an "as is" policy, you want to see pictures and make sure it is what you think it is. Buyer remorse is another "con" of buying from online auctions and web stores.
6. Packing method. How do they pack? Do they double box (great, will add to shipping cost and well worth it). Do they secure the item. I have received several items (figurals) that were in little pieces. The item was wrap in a couple layers of bubble wrap and placed in a box of peanuts. Peanuts are what people are always told to pack delicate items in. However, glass is not one of those items, the weight of the glass settles to the bottom of the box. You have seen how boxes are treated?! Sellers should not mine you asking for more care with a glass item you are interested in buying. Important note: If they seem to be put off with the request of dilegence in packing, I would not buy that piece from them. Couple of the broken pieces I received, was after presenting cocoon bubble wrap and secure packing was met with a complaint. Passive/aggressive behavior will purposely tune your request out.
Collecting Art glass is a skill that develops into a technique that is born out of trial and error, where you have wonderful investment pieces and some, what was I thinking, pieces.
Art Glass collecting made easy!
Art glass from around the world and a little of thisnthat from here&there!
Click on the blue hotlink .
- ART GLASS made in Murano, Italy
- A site dedicated to the promotion of vintage Murano Art Glass, also known as Italian glass. Featuring art Glass Masters such as:Fratelli Toso, Alfredo Barbini, Seguso, Barovier, Martens, Venini (some rare), AVEM, Napoleone Martinuzzi (some rare), Salviati, Gino Cenedese, Scarpa, Fulvio Bianconi, Angelo Nason (some Rare), and Falvio Poli. These ART GLASS Masters of wonderful and unique creations of bowls, dishes, vases, abstracts, animals, figurines, and candle holders. For sale, discussion and education.
Important tips when shipping art glass
peanuts and bubble wrap is not enough..here is why!
When shipping art glass of any value, it is most important how it is wrapped and how it is set in the shipping box.When wrapping with the bubble wrap, double check for any sharp edges or had spots. This may require several layers of the bubble wrap. I prefer to start with the small size bubble wrap then cocoon the it in the large bubble wrap.
I place the glass in a box and seal the box. I take a larger box and fill it with peanuts in the bottom , then I sit the box in the middle. The real Key, crunched up newspaper. Yes! I crunch up newspaper wedging it around the smaller box to secure it from movement. Then I top it off with more peanuts.
This is very important that the glass does not move when in transit. I have lost many wonderful pieces when shipped in only peanuts. The weight of the glass, resulted in the glass shifting to the bottom of the box. Very sad, piece can not be replaced.
In my 30 years of collecting and selling and shipping glass, I have not had any arrive broken. OK, I do send it off with a prayer too!
Ship glass safe and secure every time
Crunched paper is an important KEY
Crunch it tight and to the size need or several medium sizes. But Crunch tight so it creates a tight padding around your item and will not allow movement.
First the small bubble wrap and then
cocoon with the large bubble wrap
This is the figural clown from the early 1940's. He arrived without any breakage. All fingers and hands and head completely great! Cocoon your valuable glass making sure there are no sharp edges.
Now the small box
Place the cocoon of glass into the small box and seal.
Invest in time to pack glass secure for shipping
and you will earn on your investment glass collection
Place the sealed smaller box into the larger box, take your crunched newspaper to create a snug and secure fit. Finish off with peanuts or some kind of soft packing product. Your best investment won't matter if shatters or breaks. Invest your time to pack your glass secure and safe. When packed this way, the glass can not shift during transit. This item, made it safely all the way to New York.
Just another tip for your success with shipping glass.
Factory Flaw
Uv Lighting shows the tiny flea bites on the surface of the glass
This Factory Flaw is often referred to as "flea bites." Usually very difficult to see with the naked eye. And I was only able to photograph it under UV lighting to produce ok picture. This type of flaw reminds me of the look after resting another to close while wet. When pulled apart these tiny dings remain. Usually the surface is smooth to the touch.
Considered Factory Damage (or better to say "Flaw")
UV light of a Surface bubble.
Another common non-damage (flaw) occurrence is the Surface Bubble. During the glass blowing process, bubbles sometime escape into the bulk of the glass. When the bubble is to close to the surface, the glass will pull apart or sag into the bubble. This often is mistaken for an impact chip. However, there usually are no sharp edges, and when inspecting the area with a 10 loop, the bubble indent can be seen. The picture is taken under UV lighting (Blacklight) that helps highlight the surface burst.
Factory damage on a paperweight piece
annealing crack
This is a paperweight that has an annealing crack. Annealing is the process of slowly cooling glass so that the internal temperature is equal to the outer temperature. This allows the glass to reach a stress-release point. Too soon removal can cause a lighten bolt fracture that does not surface as with this paperweight. It is possible for the glass to actually shattered. In some cases, it has been reported that annealing crack can happen during the resting phase.
Fratelli Toso hand blown glass bowl
Murano art glass piece or Fratelli Toso
This piece has a lot of ribbons of various colors in opaque black glass. This type is often mistaken or mislabeled for AVEM (a good investment piece). This is not to imply that Murano factory pieces or Fratelli Toso pieces are less valuable, however some pieces were made in large numbers which would bring down the value. This piece is most likely a 1970's Toso piece. However, Because of the thin glass, it would not be from the 1950's. Due to certain lead laws, glass made after the 1950's weigh a lot less. After looking through reference books, it is concluded that this is Fratelli Toso work. A clue is the white triangle Murrine which is in on many of his vases with his label. Value: $45.00-$55.00.
Example of a technique
Paperweights By Various Murano Artist
Three paperweights 2 by Toso and 1 by Seguso. The Vase is American by Orient and Flume. Large Green Urchin paperweight
This one has a unusally glow with UV lighting
This is a wonderful American art glass paperweight that is known as the Urchin. This one is particularly interesting that it has the wonderful uv glo, just like the popular glass known as Vaseline glass.This is a great place to nice art glass paperweights!
Art Glass USA- Paperweights
Figurine-By Seguso Italian Glass-$250.00
This is a Fine example of a Clown by Seguso
There are many different types of Clowns out there in the world today. Some of them are a very bad likeness to the authentic blown art glass and very obvious to the trained eye. Stop by again soon, as I will be posted photos of the Clowns that are not Italian glass. During the 70's and 80's, to the present time, there are mass production of circus clowns that were made in China, Mexico, and India. Some of the Clowns are nicely done, but still not the quality of the Italian Masters of glass blowing. Another angle of a Seguso Clown
Example of heavy Gold Leaf.
Another of my favorites Italian art glass
I love the Barbini ashtray
This Barbini ashtray has wonderful bullicante through out the dish and is what we would call today "green mist" for the color. I do notknow what they called in the 1950's, most likely green.
My favorite piece from my collection of glass created from around the world
Czech Clown, my choice of the month September
Fabulous Czechoslovakian, hand made blown glass. Jaroslav Brychta (1895-1971) whose efforts lead to the creation of glass figures, a new artistic development in the production of the Czechoslovak glass industry. The origin of the glass is inseparably connected with the opening of the first glass maker's school at Zelrzny Brod in 1920, where Brychta was one of the first teachers'. Brychta realistic human design engaged people into his art through sports, clowns, professions and other activities that appealed to the Czech people at that time. This one is of a sailor enjoying his leave time with music. Note the realistic detail in the glass work. Duck
Barbini, another of my favorite artist. Recommend Reference Books From Amazon
Italian art glass books.
I have over 100 different reference books on Italian glass. This is one of the greatest way to learn about your glass collection! Always shop with knowledge! All the books that I have listed below, I have in my personal art glass library. I can not stress more how important it is to be armed with knowledge. This knowledge can be sped up by reading books by great authors. Leslie Pina's books are fantastic. Marc Heiremans is another must have in your art glass library. Best of Luck!!!
Hand Blown Abstract Teardrop Glass Art Vase
Hand-blown teardrop vase with colorful abstract de more...2 points
Archimede Seguso: Mid-mod Glass from Murano: Lace & Stone by Leslie Pina
Archimede Seguso (1909-1999), one of the great Mur more...1 point
6 Inch High Pink Jellyfish Glass Art Paperweight with Display Light
This is an exotic solid glass sculpture of a trans more...1 point
Glass Vase Colorful 100% Handblown Art X988
Glassblowing is one of the more difficult techniqu more...1 point
Art Glass Teardrop
Inspired by the Sommerso glass artisans of Italy, an more...1 point
The Collector's Encyclopedia of American Art Glass: Identification And Values (American Art Glass Identification and Values) by John A., III Shuman
This book combines beautiful full-color photos wit more...1 point
Italian Design Ruby Sommerso Art Glass Sculpture
This lovely vase was handcrafted by skilled artisa more...1 point
Italian Glass: Century 20 (Schiffer Book for Collectors) by Leslie Pina
This long-awaited book will be a valuable tool for more...1 point
Access Lighting - 924IT: Safari Italian Hand Blown Art Glass
Access Lighting - 924IT: Safari Italian Hand Blown more...1 point
Authentic Murano Glass Paperweight / 24k Gold Over Blue with Millefiori Center, Gift Boxed
On the legendary isle of Murano in the Venetian La more...1 point
Fratelli Toso Italian Glass 1854-1980 by Leslie Pina
Of all the leading Muranese glass factories, Frate more...1 point
Italian Design Amber Sommerso Glass Art Circle Vase
This lovely vase was handcrafted by skilled artisa more...1 point
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Reader Feedback
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glassbeauty
Apr 26, 2012 @ 12:19 pm | delete
- excellent packing tips, nothing more heartbreaking than a piece arriving broken !
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SRitchieable
Apr 3, 2012 @ 10:55 pm | delete
- Thanks for the tips - I've just featured your lens on mine (http://www.squidoo.com/italianartglass). Thanks for sharing!
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love2glow
Apr 14, 2012 @ 2:25 am | delete
- Thank You! I appreciate your thoughtfulness. It makes a great day and a blessing in my life to recieve kindness and recomendation!
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poddys Mar 11, 2012 @ 5:47 pm | delete
- Great information. Packaging items like this that are very fragile is really important.
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love2glow
Apr 14, 2012 @ 2:27 am | delete
- Thank You again poddys. Awesome work you have done. Squidoo has wonderful people with great information. I feel Blessed!
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by love2glow
Hello world. I am an Italian art
glass lover! I hope to help the new collector to find their way to the real treasures in the art glass world....
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Italian Glass paperweight
Early Christmas gift idea!
Genuine Murano Glass Paperweight, 24k Gold with Embedded Tree of Life Design, Gift Boxed
Amazon Price: $54.87 (as of 06/01/2012)
What a wonderful way to say how much you care.
