Catalog: Vintage Arts: Decorative Art: Glass (112)

Sumptuous in its expression of the sensual qualities of glass, this stylized sculpture of a figure in repose by Livio Seguso is signed and in excellent condition. The solid glass sculpture weighs 12.5 lbs, measures 6"w x 6"d x 8"h, and was well protected over the years by four felt pads at the corners.

Charming stylized donkey in the "colorization without fusion" technique by Ercole Barovier. On a recent visit to Murano, I showed a photo of this donkey to Lino Toso, director of the Barovier Toso Museum, and he said he could confirm 80% that this is the work of Ercole. The donkey measures 5.25"h x 2.25"w x 3.25"d, in good condition, unmarked.

Striking, tall, a canne verticale vase attributed to Fratelli Toso. Similar designs are shown in Leslie Pinas book "Fratelli Toso" pgs, 22-23. It requires great skill to keep the canes from spiraling, especially in a tall piece. The craftsman who made this kept the canes perfectly vertical. Composed of alternating black and opaline canes, the space between the canes appears to be silver, but on closer inspection the spaces are clear glass which allow light to pass through the piece. This beauty is 16.5" tall and 4" wide at the base, in excellent condition, unmarked.

Exquisitely detailed clown sculpture in a variety of polychrome techniques with aventurine. There are remnants of a paper label. I'm not sure who made this, but my colleagues in Murano responded to the piece with a resounding "bello"! 9"h x3.5" x 3.5"

This elegant "CARNIVALE" vase by Fratelli Toso has polychrome colors and a satin finish. Produced in the 1920's, the CARNIVALLE series is sought after by collectors. See Leslie Pina's book: FRATELLI TOSO, ITALIAN GLASS 1854-1980, page 48-49. The vase is 8.25"h x4.5"w, unmarked and is in excellent condition.

20th century Murano glass bell by Fratelli Toso is constructed of multi-colored murrine with crystal handle. The Bell has a satin finish and retains the rooster and KB labels. At 5.25"h x 2.75"w, the Bell is in excellent condition

This elegantly styled murrine pitcher by Fratelli Toso illustrates the technical expertise that the Muranese artisans possess. Each murrine is individually made and they are assembled and fused to the blowpipe and then blown into this relatively thin and elegant form. Being a glassblower myself, I have great respect for the level of skill demonstrated in vessels constructed with murrine. These were produced in the early 1900's, according to Leslie Pinas' "Fratelli Toso". My colleague in Venice who is a specialist dealing in Vintage Italian Glass confirmed this item to be by Fratelli Toso and valued at 1200 euro! Measuring 9.5"h x 3.5"w, this murrine vessel is in excellent condition, unmarked.

Absolutely stunning modern glass form in sommerso with copper wheel engraving of a woman with a basket of fruit on her head. The champagne and crystal sculpted sommerso form and engraved image combine to evoke beauty and serenity. S.A.L.I.R. (Studio Arts & Labor Industrie Riunite)engraved blanks produced by Ferro Toso and other Murano glass shops. The engraving itself illustrates amazing skill in its simplicity and expression of serenity. The engraver put his/her indecipherable initials near the bottom of the womans skirt. Many important Murano artists such as Dino Martens, Gio Ponte, Ettore Sottsass, Carlo Scarpa and Flavio Poli designed for S.A.L.I.R. This beauty is 11.25" tall and she is in excellent condition.

Interesting Modern Glass vessel depicting a stylized expression of a tree branch covered with abstract crawling critters and a realistic rendering of a glass ladybug. There are similar examples of Memphis style and application technique in Leslie Pina's ITALIAN GLASS. On pages 224-226, there are similar pieces attributed to Andrea Anastasio of Memphis. The vessel is 18.5" tall, in excellent condition, unmarked.

20th century glass Venetian Figurine in excellent condition, although unmarked, is probably made by Seguso or Barovier. I am advised by an expert in the field that the leaf supporting the figure at the base suggests Seguso. The polychrome canne jacket and the abundant gold leaf applications illustrate the mastery of the Muranese glassblowers. The figurine is 10.5" tall, in great condition, obviously kept in a cabinet over the years, and bears an import label.

Like a Venice evening, this amazing murrine lamp rediates a soft, colorful ambiance when lit. The brass parts have a nice aged patina. The lamp had to be re-wired, as the original 90 year old vintage wire was frayed. Otherwise, the lamp remains in its original pristine condition and is an amazing example of the skill of the Murano Glassblowers. The lamp is documented in "Catalogo a stampa Fratelli Toso, 1920 ca",page 41.

Big and beautiful shell bowl in lattimo with bullicante design infused with gold aventurine that imparts a subtle gold diamond pattern. In each diamond resides a gold lined bubble. Measuring 10.75"x 12"x 2.75h., the bowl has a polished pontil, unmarked

Whimsical modernist lamp which certainly looks like a Venini. The shade is lattimo with a transparent gold pink bow. The brass base is good minimalist modern design and adequately supports the shade. A fitted gasket facilitates a snug fit of the shade. Measuring 13"x15"x18"h., the lamp is unmarked

Diminutive fazzoletto vase made from latticino and zanfrico canes. Measuring 4"x4"x2.75"h., the vase bears a worn but identifiable Seguso label from the mid-fifties.

Combining the techniques of incalmo and sommerso, this Modern design by Archimede Seguso exudes warmth. This form is documented in Leslie Pinas ITALIAN GLASS pgs. 145 & 150. Measuring 7.5"dia. x 2.25"h., the vessel is in good condition, with a few minor scratches at the base, unmarked.

Striking, tall, double sommerso vase form by Fratelli Toso. Interior gather of soft gold toned transparent glass emerges in sommerso from a heavy green lip, cased in crystal. The form is blown into a rib mold with green canne applied at the high points of the ribs. This vase is a fine example of mid-century innovation of traditional techniques. Measuring 6.75" (top dimension) x 12" tall, the vase is in good condition, bears the J.I. CO. import label, unmarked.

Dramatic sculpted mid-century sommerso basket by Fratelli Toso. Similar types of baskets attributed to Fratelli Toso are documented in Leslie Pinas books: ITALIAN GLASS p.223, FRATELLI TOSO p.179-181. Measuring 10"w. x3"d. x8"h.,the basket is in good condition, unmarked

Classic vase form in mezza filigrana using lattimo and transparent copper blue threads. The form is augmented with side applications of basilica rope in crystal with gold aventurine and a crimped crystal lip decoration with gold aventurine. Measuring 6"dia.x 9"h., the vase is in excellent condition and bears portions of its round silver foil Made in Italy label described in Leslie Pina's ITALIAN GLASS, page 15.