Murano Glass Birds on a Branch Value Guide

These mid-century Murano glass birds are iconic examples of Venetian artistry, featuring two pink sommerso birds perched on a clear hand-blown branch. They represent the 1950s-1970s transition toward fluid Modernist designs, showcasing the technical mastery of Italian glass blowers.

What Is Murano Glass Birds on a Branch Worth?

The typical price range for Murano Glass Birds on a Branch is $220 - $240 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the delicate glass beaks and tails, as chips or repairs significantly decrease the $220-$240 valuation.
• Clarity and vibrancy of the pink sommerso layers, with well-defined color separation commanding higher prices.
• Presence of original foil labels or signatures from specific Venetian furnaces which can increase collector demand.
• The structural integrity of the clear glass branch and the stability of the bird attachments.

How to Identify Murano Glass Birds on a Branch?

• Look for the sommerso technique, characterized by distinct layers of pink glass submerged within clear outer layers.
• Examine the base for a pontil mark or signs of hand-tooling on the clear glass branch, indicating it was hand-blown.
• Check for the absence of mold seams, as authentic Murano pieces are shaped by hand rather than cast in a mold.
• Verify the weight; genuine Murano lead glass is typically heavier than modern mass-produced imitations.

History of Murano Glass Birds on a Branch

Originating from the island of Murano in Venice, Italy, this style of glasswork utilizes the 'sommerso' technique, where layers of contrasting colors are submerged to create deep chromatic effects. These avian sculptures became iconic decorative items during the mid-20th century, representing the mastery of Venetian glass blowers who transitioned from classical forms to fluid, organic Modernist designs.