Made in China

Murano glassware is a world famous handmade craft from Venice, Italy. People from around the globe admire its beautiful design, superior quality and craftsmanship. Venetian glassware is highly regarded and has been collected for centuries.

Without any knowledge of what to look for and lack of experience of its authenticity, shoppers will have to trust the sellers from whom they are buying. Simply put, would you be upset if you bought a Murano glassware from Venice, brought it home, and found out later that it was made in China? How would you feel?

When I walked by this store and saw the above sign displayed at a shop window in Venice, I do trust them only sell authentic Murano glassware there. However, I took this picture because I sensed something offensive written on the sign. I strongly disapprove it.

Lam, my husband, had objection with that sign too. He thought it was an insult to Chinese products. "The shop owner was an hypocrite," he said. "Any shopper would know if a product was imported or not. If it is cheap, it is from China."  True, I agree. Chinese product is always cheaper.

To look into the issue further, what does the sign tell us? The sign in bold red saying “WE DON”T SELL” and followed by "GLASS MADE IN CHINA". Is glassware made in China bad? No. Chinese glassware are in good quality. It is hard to tell the difference; glass from China or from Italy, they look quite the same.

The sign tells us that this shop only carries authentic locally made glassware.

In Venice, there are hundreds of Murano glass shops; some shops sell glass imported from China. I know the issue is that some dishonest sellers carry products imported from China and sell to customers as if they were made in Italy and charge a much higher price. Those sellers cheat by selling less expensive products with a higher profit. The problem is laid within those dishonest sellers, not the product from China.

What I disapprove this sign is that it shows a strong sense of arrogance in it.  If it says, "WE SELL LOCALLY MADE PRODUCTS ONLY", wouldn't it be friendlier? Why do they have to emphase "We Don't Sell" glass "Made in China"?

 

- Photo by Miaomiao Mia. © 2010 Miaomiao Mia. All Rights Reserved.


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