Catalog: Vintage Arts: Decorative Art: Glass: Italian: Murano (103)

This charming stylized snail by Livio Seguso, exemplifies the finesse of the Venetian Glass maestros' skills in interpreting their natural environment with hot glass. In the detail images the snail is shown with a shell form by Seguso from an earlier time: Seguso Vetri d'Arte, mid 1930's. The shell is a Flavio Poli design, and is available: item #0-18, Trocadero #860669. The snail is in excellent condition, 8"x5.5"x4"and has an etched signature: SegusoAV. Both pieces can be purchased at 20% discount.

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.

It is notable that both front and back surfaces of this fine aquarium are ground flat and polished, providing a crisp view of the finely crafted fish. The polishing is a considerable amount of work not usually seen in most Murano glass aquariums. I'm not sure who made this, but the surface polishing, fine detail of the polychrome fish, and the inclusion of glass thread and real sand between the layers of glass clearly render this a unique creation. Again, we see how the natural surrounding of the Lagoon inspires creativity. Measuring 9"w x 5"h x2.25"d, the aquarium is in excellent condition and retains two labels.

This classic Mandruzatto block vase, done in the Sommerso technique with layers of ruby in crystal glass, has 8 cut and polished facets. While a labor intensive technique, this style reveals the elegant beauty of the glass, and produces wonderful optics. Made in 1970s or 80s. It stands 6 1/2" h by 3" diameter. The piece is in excellent condition. It has "Made in Murano Italy" label.

An exquisitely crafted candleholder executed in the pure palate of crystal glass with gold inclusion that is a hallmark of Archimede Seguso's work. The masterful sculpting of the flowers is remarkable. 9" x 4" x 4.5" This fine piece is in perfect condition.

This modern decanter by Fratelli Toso is ideal for any collector of wine decanters. The decanter and stopper are in good condition and the decanter retains its circular blue Fratelli Toso label.

This exquisite design of stylized water birds by Gino Cenedese is considered historical and they are displayed in the Cenedese Gallery in Piazza San Marco, Venice, priced at 3200.euro, each! The sculptural forms exemplify the Murano glass maestros' finesse in translating their natural environment into hot glass. As interactive sculpture, can be placed in various arrangements as an ever-changing accent in any interior. The stylized water birds are in excellent condition with the mid-century Cenedese labels and etched signature of Gino Cenedese.

This lovely fazzoletto vase attributed to Archimede Seguso demonstrates the skill of the Murano Artisan. Comprised of clear, netted opalino filigree, and aventurine cane, this beauty is in excellent condition. 4.5x4x4"

This Dramatic mother and child sculpture is masterfully executed and has the full name signature of Licio Zanetti. It is understood in the market that Licio put his full name on only those pieces that he considered most important and these are considered the most valuable of his work. The hot worked Mother and Child sculpture demonstrate amazing skill with its clean lines and variety of surface treatments. The top half is transparent and blends into a corroso surface treatment. This is mounted on a cast base that has two different textures. The skillful execution with its variety of surface treatments is a testament to the prowess of the Muranese glass artists and is an asset to any collection of art glass, vintage or contemporary. Measuring 17"h x 11"w x 7"d, and weighs 24 pounds, this beauty is in excellent condition and retains two labels.

This large aquatic-themed vase by Alfredo Barbini is superbly executed. The sculpted fish have animated expressions as they float through the freely drawn seaweed. This beauty illustrates Alfredo Barbini's mastery of the material. 12" tall, weighs 11 pounds and is in good condition with normal wear at the base.

These stylized water birds are attributed to Archimede due to the pulveri design. The birds are in good condition, 6.5" tall, one retaining the J.I. import label

An elegant modern form in a Sommerso blend of extremely light tints of blue and green. This fine modern expression is 12" x 4.5" x 4", and is free of chips, cracks, and scratches with a normal wear at the base reflecting its age and an etched Seguso signature. Most likely it was made by Angelo Seguso in the 1970s.

Utilizing the ancient technique of feathering Glass in a modern expression, this stylized bird illustrates the skill of the Murano Maestros interpretation of the Venetian Lagoons' environment. This beauty is 8"hx4"x2", unmarked, in excellent condition, probably made in the 1970's.

This elegant and amazing sculptural bowl form, attr Fratelli Toso in the 1970s, has a strong presence to accent its environment. Done in the Sommerso technique, with clear, pale blue and red, the free-form flow reminds the viewer that glass is a liquid. Tip to tip is 12", height 6", width 5". Bottom is polished. It is in excellent condition.

Roman style design by Avem is in excellent condition, 9" tall. The vessels clear body is lightly iridized, has a scavo surface and the handles and thread at the top are aquamarine blue.

Unusual murrine pitcher decorated with a single murrine called owls eye or occhi. In perfect condition, 5.5" tall, unmarked

"Tiffany Windows" murrines vase by Fratelli Toso is documented in Leslie Pino's "Fratelli Toso, Italian Glass 1854-1980", P. 68. This vessel is amazing in good light and an excellent example of the Murano glassblowers' skills. The transparency of the murrines allows the light to flow through nicely and remind one of the "colors of Murano." The Tiffany Windows series dates to the 1960's. This beauty is 6" tall and in in perfect condition.

Documented in Leslie Pinas book "20th Century Italian Glass", pg. 174, this asymmetrical plate is constructed from gathers of crystal and opalino glass, augmented with green chips and copper aventurine which are manipulated with a tool to achieve the "starry nights" design. The loose, organic form is notable. Measuring 11.5"w x 9.5"d x 2"h, this fine piece of Murano glass is in good condition, with expected wear on the base consistent with its vintage.