2022: The adventurous vintage Murano clam bowls

If you live a minimalist life, in a storm of art and colors, or surrounded by signs of a long life, the beautiful Murano shell bowls will fit right in. Known for their organic, almost soft surface and whimsical expression, they bring a smile to everyday life.

2022: The enchanting vintage Murano shell bowls | See them here

But how do you recognize a Murano shell bowl?

1. Murano, Cenedese or Archimede Seguso – Look for the glassmaker's signature

Start by looking for a signature from the glassblower. The easiest way to verify whether you have Murano glass is to look for a label. It's the manufacturer's verification and signature that confirms you are holding Murano glass. It may say, for example, Murano formia, Cenedese or Archimede Seguso. You can easily locate the maker's location to see whether the glass was produced on Murano or in Venice. If it was produced elsewhere, it is not Murano glass. It may instead be glass made using the same technique, but again, not Murano. Vintage Murano shell bowls can be hard to find with a label, and fortunately that's not the only way to verify the glass, but it is a good starting point.

Recognize a Murano shell bowl | Look for the signature

Example of a vintage Murano label, see more here

2. Fantastical shapes in Murano glass and beautiful shades

Murano shells are known for their imaginative shapes and truly wonderful shades. The bowls were mainly made in the 70s in a palette of pastel tones. Today, glass production is a highly regulated industry to protect the glassblowers' health, but back then many glassblowers used strong chemicals to color the glass to achieve the unique shades we love.

Especially the vintage Murano shells in pink tones would be nearly impossible to reproduce today, since everything from arsenic to cyanide was used to achieve the luminous effect in the pink tones. Also distinctive for these bowls are their shape and size. The shells quickly evoke thoughts of a mix of the Little Mermaid story, the playful 70s approach to interior design, and exclusive cocktail parties.

These may be some of the reasons they have become sought-after collector's items today – you simply won't find anything like them.

Vintage Murano shell bowl | Decorate with Murano bowls

Vintage Murano shell bowl, see similar here

3. Find unique characteristics of Murano glass

Murano is a handmade product and you won't find two identical pieces—always keep that in mind. If you are in a shop with Murano glass, the pieces will be comparable but will always have unique characteristics. Each Murano shell is mouth-blown in a mold and can therefore vary slightly in size and expression. You will also often find small magical air bubbles in the glass, which occur during the blowing process.

It can be difficult to assess if you don't have it in your hands but found it online. Here you should look for other characteristics—preferably the quirky traits that show the glass is handmade.