Glass: Murano or Czech
 

We will be visting Prague and Venice this summer. Which is better Murano or Czech/Bohemian Glass?

Having just returned from Prague, I am familiar with the Bohemian crystal and have also seen the Venetian glass. It's not a question of which is better - they are totally different. Much more color in the Murano glass, if that is what you prefer.

It's a matter of taste, obviously. I like more of the Bohemian pieces because they tend to be a bit more modern and cutting-edge; many of the Murano artists IMO have decided to capitalize on their great history rather than push the envelope. You can buy exquisite pieces or schlunk in either place.

Why not look on e-bay to see zillions of examples of each, along with their asking prices? Build your data base, add your own taste, and off you go.

I prefer oranges to apples, myself.

Buy what you like the best!

It depends what you're looking for! I love the Czech cut glass, especially the colored, for wine glasses, vases, etc. They also make nice crystal jewelry. In Venetian glass, I love the necklaces which are completely different from anything you'll see in Czech. It seems like the Venetian dishes, vases, etc, tend to be more modern looking and the Czech more old world style.

if you want to see some photo examples, go to ebay, and do auction searches on Czech glass or on Murano glass.
You will see some junk, but also some beautiful pieces to serve as examples.

Thank you. I see that a 3.5 hour tour to a Bohemian Glass factory is offered. Have any of you taken this tour or heard comments about it? We will likely visit Murano so it may be interesting to compare and contrast.

Hi df,

When you are in Prague, you might find a visit to the Moser Glass outlet of interest.

When we were there they had an artist etching goblets.

Thanks all.
Ira, where is the Moser outlet and how did you get there?

You have a visit to a glass factory provided by your travel agent or tour agency?
Those worry me a little. It might be interesting to watch the glass production process if you like, but sometimes groups are herded to particular factories and encouraged to buy, not because that factory is always the best, but because they pay commissions to the tour organizer.

Regarding Murano, there's no need to go there unless you intend to spend time browsing in various factory show rooms and spending some serious money.
Murano has a couple of nice churches and a glass museum, but if your trip to Venice is short and you would only be interested in buying a glass necklace or souvenir or small vase, there is plenty of selection to be found in the main part of Venice. If you do want to go to one of the lagoon islands, Burano and Torcello are more beautiful, imo.

I have a file on Venice; if you'd like to see it,email me at
[email protected]

Hi df,

Moser has two outlets in Prague. Go to http://www.moser-glass.com/eng/obsah.html

for maps and addresses.

I purchased a cocktail glass that I take out on my birthday.