Venetian Glass With a Touch of Whimsy
Many fine examples of 20th century Venetian art glass are featured in this week’s Designer Glass Auction. The collection features vases, bowls, and sculptures that were crafted on the Venetian island of Murano, which has been a glassmaking center since the 13th century.
Examples of the Venetian glass range from a colorful swirl bowl signed Pauly Venezia to a rare Murano white over black art glass vase designed by Italian architect Rodolfo Dordoni.
Murano hand-blown art glass swirling bowl signed Pauly Venezia. Estimate: $300-$400. Jasper52 image
A pair of Ansolo Fuga designed “mood” face drinking glasses are a 1960s reinvention of his original enamel face glasses made three decades earlier. In the style of Jean Cocteau, they feature three different faces: smiley, sad or annoyed, and kissing face. Each eye becomes part of the next face as the glass is turned.
Pair of Murano hand-blown art glass ‘mood’ face drinking glasses, designer Ansolo Fuga, 1960s. Estimate: $800-$1,000. Jasper52 image
Another whimsical piece is a large Murano parrot, which is documented to the Seguso Vetri d’Arte company. The art glass sculpture stands almost 11 inches tall.
Murano hand-blown art glass parrot sculpture, Seguso Vetri D’ Arte, 10 3/4in. Estimate: $800-$1,000. Jasper52 image
Just as rare, is this Murano glass hand-blown abstract pitcher vase with a deep green and flashed iridescent color. This beautiful piece is documented as a Giorgio Ferro “Anse Volante” piece for the A.Ve.M. (Arte Vetraria Muranese) company. The stylish modern design is 14 inches high and carries a $3,000-$4,000 estimate.
Murano hand-blown deep green and flashed iridescent art glass pitcher vase, Giorgio Ferro ‘Anse Volante’ piece for the A.Ve.M. (Arte Vetraria Muranese). Estimate: $3,000-$4,000. Jasper52 image
A little less whimsical, but no less delightful, is this 1920s Murano Soffiati blue art glass vase attributed to Vittorio Zecchin and V.S.M. Capellin Venini & Co.
Murano Soffiati blue art glass vase with dimpled surface and applied handles flower vase, attributed to Vittorio Zecchin, V.S.M. Capellin Venini & C., circa circa 1920s-1930s, 11 1/2 in high. Estimate: $4,000-$5,000. Jasper52 image
This last unusual lot is a colorful arrangement of German hand-blown glass tulips from the 1920s. It’s almost a sure thing these ones will never wilt.
Arrangement of 19 German hand-blown glass tulips, circa 1920s-1930s. Estimate: $2,000-$2,500. Jasper52 image
View the full catalog filled with beautifully crafted objects, including art glass paperweights and Waterford crystal.
