Murano Glass Techniques: A Collector’s Guide

Selected, restored, and documented in our Rabat atelier, this guide decodes classic Murano techniques in Italian mid-century glassmaking. Each method reveals a maker’s hand—how colour is layered, how bubbles are trapped, how light is diffused.

Sommerso 

What it is: Distinct layers of colour encased in thick, clear glass (cristallo). Popular from the 1950s onward and prized for its optical depth.

How to spot: Crisp colour boundaries; heavy base; outer wall remains clear. Turn the piece to see the inner “capsule” glow.

Care tip: Hand-wash; avoid thermal shock and abrasive creams which can dull the outer crystal.

Macchia / Graniglia (Frit “Confetti” Finish)

What it is: The bubble is rolled in coloured glass chips (graniglia), then melted smooth to create soft, spotted patterns known as macchia.

How to spot: Confetti-like patches with glossy surface (no grain). Under raking light, spots appear submerged—no relief.

Care tip: Mild soap, soft cloth; avoid strong solvents around applied decorations or labels.

Filigrana (Cane Work) & Applicazione

What it is: Milk-white or coloured canes (filigrana) stretched into the glass to form parallel lines or lattices; sometimes paired with a hot-applied colour patch (applicazione).

How to spot: Even cane spacing; twisted versions are zanfirico. Applied patches leave soft “melted” edges.

Care tip: Avoid snagging jewellery on raised appliqués; display away from direct, harsh sunlight to preserve tone.

Avventurina (Copper-Fleck Sparkle) & Rigadin Torsé

What it is: Metallic copper crystals suspended in glass for a subtle shimmer; often paired with rigadin torsé—spiral optic ribs formed in a mould then twisted.

How to spot: Warm, starry glints (not glitter) that move with light; ribs can be tactile or, if cased, only optical.

Care tip: No abrasives: avventurina can micro-scratch; dust with a soft brush and microfiber.

Pulegoso (Micro-Bubble Diffusion)

What it is: Thousands of tiny bubbles created by adding agents to the melt, diffusing light and softening silhouettes—beautiful in lighting.

How to spot: Clouds of fine, evenly dispersed bubbles; warm, velvety glow when lit.

Care tip: Compressed air or a blower bulb helps remove dust from bubble cavities on open-worked pieces.

Zuccherato (Sugared, Icy Surface)

What it is: Very fine graniglia left on the surface for a crystalline, “frosted sugar” texture—often seen on leaves, petals, and decorative elements.

How to spot: Tactile, icy grain under the fingertips; not matte acid-etched, but granular.

Care tip: Do not over-polish; a soft, dry brush preserves the crystalline look.

Oro (Gold Leaf) & Rigadin

What it is: 24k gold leaf or powder trapped in the glass mass; frequently combined with vertical or twisted ribs (rigadin).

How to spot: Gold appears as tiny plates or flecks, never painted on. In raking light you’ll see depth and scatter, not a surface film.

Care tip: Keep away from ammonia-based cleaners; a slightly damp microfiber is sufficient.

Applied Murrine (Rosette) vs. Millefiori

What it is: Murrine are cross-sections of patterned canes. Applied murrine are picked up hot and fused onto the surface (slight relief). Millefiori uses many murrine fused edge-to-edge into a flat mosaic sheet.

How to spot: Applied murrine feel gently raised; millefiori is continuous and planar. Look for clean fusing without sharp edges.

Care tip: Dust along the motif edges; avoid harsh rubbing across raised decorations.

Incamiciato (Cased Colour, Inside/Out)

What it is: Two or more layers of differently coloured glass “shirted” together—e.g., inner white with outer red—creating a saturated, luminous body. Sometimes includes a single or sparse murrina accent.

How to spot: Uniform colour with a distinct inner layer; rim reveals layering; occasional lone murrina suspended within.

Care tip: Avoid strong temperature swings; incamiciato pieces are often thicker and hold heat/cold longer.

Lattimo (Milk Glass)

What it is: Opaque “milk” glass with a soft, porcelain-like glow; widely used in mid-century lighting for gentle diffusion.

How to spot: Creamy opacity with subtle translucency at thinner edges; pairs beautifully with brass and chrome mounts.

Care tip: For lampshades, clean cool and dry; if rewired, specify heat-appropriate bulbs to preserve the surface.

How We Evaluate, Restore & Place Murano

At Spirit Gallery we balance restoration and preservation: polishing only where necessary, maintaining original tool marks, and respecting period hardware in lighting. For collectors and designers, we match technique to context—pulegoso for soft ambient light, sommerso for sculptural presence, lattimo for serene diffusion.

Looking for a specific technique? Write to us with dimensions, room photos and intended use; our curatorial team will suggest options from current stock or source on request.

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