Chinese Glass Identification Guide + Gallery
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This section of the encyclopaedia is for Chinese glass, including glass made in Taiwan. There is a surprising amount of vintage glassware, found in the UK and elsewhere, that is often mistaken for Italian/Murano glass, or Scandinavian glass, but was in fact made in China. There is also a vast amount of modern glass produced in China, using popular Murano glassmaking techniques such as sommerso, which can easily be mistaken for, and sometimes purposefully misdescribed as, Murano glass. This Murano style, Chinese made glass used to be quite easy to spot to the experienced collector or dealer, as they contained many production flaws, and often certain features could give them away, such as a frosted, unpolished base, compared to the shiny, highly polished base found on most genuine Murano glass. However in more recent years, the quality of some of these items have improved greatly, and it can be very difficult to spot the difference. This guide aims to help with the identification of Chinese glass.
Buy Chinese Glass Products in our Online Glass StoreVintage Chinese Glass
Shown here is glassware made in China that I would class as vintage, i.e. made before the year 2000. Most of these are likely from the mid-century / retro era, 1950's - 1970's.
A white glass "Lotus Flower" vase with dark red and orange swirls, made in China, by The Dalian Glass Co. Ltd, circa 1950's - 1980's, labelled.
Reference: [click here].
An orange glass "Plum Blossom" vase with applied flower decoration and internal white casing. Made in China, circa 1970's, labelled.
Reference: [click here].
A green glass "Plum Blossom" bamboo shaped hooped vase with internal white casing. Made in China, circa 1970's.
Reference: [click here].
A pair of orange and white striped glass vases with applied clear decoration. Can be found with labels that read "Made in Taiwan, Republic of China". Often mistaken for Murano or Czech glass.
Reference: [click here].
Modern Chinese Glass
Shown here is glassware made in China in more recent, modern times, i.e. after the year 2000. Many of the items listed here can be found, or at one time could be found, on the Chinese trade website alibaba.com. We may refer to these listings where possible to confirm Chinese origin, but please note these links may become broken over time as listings on the Alibaba site are ended, or products are discontinued.
A blue, green and clear sommerso glass vase with applied green lobed sides, and controlled bubble bullicante effect. Made in China, and was originally sold in Debhenams stores under the brand name "Star", by designer Julien Macdonald.
Reference: [click here].
A blue, purple and clear sommerso glass vase with applied clear lobed sides, and controlled bubble bullicante effect. Made in China, and was originally sold in Debhenams stores under the brand name "Star", by designer Julien Macdonald.
Reference: [click here].
A turquoise and clear glass abstract sculpture. Made in China, unmarked, but these can be found with "Made in China" labels. Sculptures like these can be found in many different colours on the Alibaba trade website.
Reference: [click here].
A purple and amber sommerso glass teardrop shaped paperweight. Made in China, the teardrop shape and sommerso style is typical of Chinese production. These can be found in many different colours on the Alibaba trade website. The shiny, polished base suggests more recent production than others with a dull, frosted base.
Reference: [click here].
A pink and blue sommerso glass teardrop shaped paperweight. Made in China, the teardrop shape, sommerso style and dull, frosted base finish is typical of Chinese production. These can be found in many different colours on the Alibaba trade website.
Reference: [click here].
A pink, green and clear glass vase, made in China. The same design can be found with a label that reads "Pier 1, China".
Reference: [click here].
View more Chinese Glass examples in our Glass Reference Database
Buy Chinese Glass Products in our Online Glass Store
Chinese Glass on eBay UK
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Chinese Glass on eBay USA
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As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Reference Websites
www.glasspheme.com - Interesting article on Chinese made sommerso teardrop paperweights being sold as Murano.