Murano Glass: 700 Years of Artistry, Backed by a 21st-Century Guarantee
In an era where imitation is all too easy, this Italian glassmaker guarantees authentic, handcrafted Murano glass—forged in a Venice workshop, verified by blockchain.
Murano Glass: 700 Years of Artistry, Backed by a 21st-Century Guarantee
For more than 700 years, the glassblowers of Murano, Italy, a small island off the coast of Venice, have forged their legacy, crafting delicate, brilliantly hued tableware, vases, chandeliers, and other glass art pieces that are collected around the world.
This legacy endures today, and one artisanal glass company, Murano Glass Italy, is marrying ancient tradition with digital innovation. Within their Venice workshop, skilled artisans employ some of the same methods their ancestors used in the 13th century, working with fire and breath to handcraft each piece.
“In the hands of a true maestro, molten glass is transformed into something timeless: a chandelier, a sculpture, a mirror that reflects not only light, but soul,” says the company’s founder and CEO, Anita Kocsis.
But unless you can travel to Italy and purchase Murano glass directly from a trained glassblower, how do you know that the piece you’ve selected is authentic? Modern technology has made imitation all too easy, and counterfeiting has become more than just a nuisance, “it threatens the very existence of true craftsmanship,” Kocsis says.
As low-quality, mass-produced replicas flood the global art market, discerning collectors seek assurance that their purchase is genuine, and that their investment is protected.
“When you invest in a one-of-a-kind work of art, you’re not just buying a beautiful object; you’re placing trust in its origins. And yet, too often, the only proof of authenticity is a fragile paper certificate—easy to lose, impossible to replace,” says Kocsis. “That’s why Murano Glass Italy has adapted to the evolving language of trust in the modern world.”
The first traditional glass studio to offer a 21st-century guarantee on a global level, Murano Glass Italy uses blockchain technology to certify its original works. Every piece their craftsmen create can now be paired with a digital certificate of authenticity, in the form of a unique, non-fungible token (NFT). This NFT is stored permanently on the blockchain and cannot be replicated, ensuring that each heritage glass artwork they sell has a verifiable, immutable origin, and will remain as unique as the hands that shaped it.
The company’s online catalog offers a glimpse of the dazzling array of styles available: bold millefiori patterns, elegant gold leaf detailing, modern minimalism, and more. You can illuminate a special space with the warm, kaleidoscopic glow of a handmade Murano glass chandelier, its intricate arms capturing an ever-changing interplay of light and color. Or, elevate the art of the table with handcrafted Venetian glass drinkware, transforming everyday moments with unmistakable Italian charm. You might select an heirloom-quality Venetian mirror, blending function with Old World grace; or choose from Murano glass sculptures in abstract compositions, lifelike animals, or marine scenes. Their highly skilled craftsmen can even create a custom-made glass object based on a photo or design of your own.
Customer service is offered in several languages—including fluent English—and insured, and door-to-door shipping is available worldwide. Perhaps most important, the authenticity of each piece they sell is guaranteed by secure NFT certification.
“Murano glass is not just décor; it’s cultural heritage,” says Kocsis. “With NFT technology, we’re ensuring the integrity of our artworks, and giving our buyers a new level of trust and proof.”
ICYMI…
The Mad Science—and Master Craft—of Handblown Lab Glass
Story by Jeff Greenwald
Where master craftsmanship meets cutting-edge science, it's the best of both worlds.
Freshly unlocked…
A Hand-Painted Welcome: Ira Coyne’s Lasting Imprint on Olympia
Story by Jennifer Berney
By the late 90s, digital printing was king and hand-painted signage—not to mention apprenticeships for sign-painters—were fading fast from the American landscape. Ira Coyne didn't let that hold him back.
Craftsmanship Magazine focuses on master artisans and innovators whose work informs our quest: to create a world built to last. In addition to our Substack offerings, you’ll find a rich archive of stories, podcasts, photo essays, and documentary shorts on our free website—along with community resources like our Artisans’ Directory, our guide to U.S.-based craft & folk schools, and much more.