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Monumental Murano Sommerso Glass Vase Attributed to Seguso Vetri d’Arte Italy
€1,499Bid from €1,200
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Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 25 sales
Product description
Attributed to Seguso Vetri d’Arte – Monumental Murano Sommerso Glass Vase
Italy, circa 1970s–1980s
A monumental and highly sophisticated Murano sommerso glass vase attributed to Seguso Vetri d’Arte, executed in thick cased crystal with an exceptional interplay of submerged color, satin-finished surfaces, and optical depth.
Standing 30 cm tall and weighing over 4 kilograms, the piece belongs to the important lineage of postwar Venetian sculptural glass in which mass, transparency, and controlled light refraction became central artistic concerns. The vase is constructed around an elongated internal drop form in smoky amber-grey tones, dramatically suspended within a heavy clear crystal body and anchored by a vivid turquoise-blue arc at the base.
What distinguishes this example from many standard sommerso productions is the remarkable surface treatment. The exterior alternates between polished optical windows and broad satin-finished vertical bands, creating a rhythmic concealment and revelation of the submerged core. Rather than relying on aggressive geometric faceting, the object achieves its sculptural effect through softened transitions and carefully controlled diffusion of light.
This treatment strongly recalls the refined optical vocabulary associated with Seguso Vetri d’Arte and the broader post–Flavio Poli Murano tradition, where sommerso evolved from decorative technique into spatial and architectural experimentation.
The form itself is elegant yet monumental: tapering slightly upward, with deeply carved vertical recesses that magnify and distort the internal composition depending on viewing angle and surrounding light. The turquoise-blue submerged layer acts almost like a horizon line or chromatic tension point beneath the warm amber core, giving the object an unusual atmospheric quality rarely encountered in later commercial Murano production.
The base and rim reveal extensive cold-working and polishing, indicative of a technically ambitious production requiring substantial manual finishing. The overall execution suggests a high-quality artistic furnace rather than mass-market export glass.
While no definitive archival confirmation has been obtained, the attribution to Seguso Vetri d’Arte is based on:
the sculptural postwar Murano form language,
the sophisticated sommerso construction,
the combination of satin and polished optical bands,
the monumental weight and scale,
and the overall aesthetic affinity with Seguso’s refined late modernist glass production.
A rare and luminous statement object — equally compelling as collectible Murano art glass, minimalist sculpture, or architectural interior piece.
Condition:
Very good vintage condition overall. Minor traces of age and handling wear consistent with period, including small superficial surface marks visible upon close inspection. No cracks or major damages observed.
Dimensions:
Height: 30 cm
Weight: over 4 kg
General Information
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International buyers: import duties or taxes, if applicable, are the buyer’s responsibility.
All items are photographed and described with care. Vintage pieces may show minimal traces of age; any significant flaws will be clearly mentioned.
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Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsGrey, White, Taupe, Multi Color, TransparentMaterialGlassNumber of items1Height30 cmWidth13 cmDepth15 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 25 sales