Amano by Scheurich, Zen Minimalist, Oxblood on Matte Charcoal Palette Torpedo Vase, 1990s
Regular price£79.00
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This stunning West German Pottery vase is crafted by Amano, a renowned brand associated with Scheurich, a prominent West German pottery company.
The Charcoal grey glaze covering the torpedo form is matte, providing a fantastic offset to the abstract handpainted hoops in high-gloss Oxblood red.
This particular piece is a testament to design excellence, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal and at an impressive 16 inches, making it a striking centerpiece for any room.
CONDITION Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repairs. There is negligible surface wear and movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurable with the age of the piece - please see photos as part of the condition report. The underside of the base is stamped with Amano symbol, 'AMANO, 629-40, Made in Germany'
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 16" / 40.6 cm (from base to rim) x c. 5.3" / 13.5 cm in width (across widest point). Base measurements: c. 4" / 10.2 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 1,540 kg / 1.5 g
A BIT OF HISTORY The history of Amano by Scheurich is not extensively documented however, it is known that Scheurich produced ceramics under Amano. Particularly in the context of mid-century modern designs, such as the oxblood red vases, which were popular during the 1950s to 1970s.
Scheurich itself was founded in 1928 and began producing ceramics in 1948. The company became well-known for its high-quality ceramics, often featuring distinctive glazes which remain highly sought after today.
Bjorn Wiinblad, 1959 Centaur and Dryad Candleholder Sculpture, Signed and Monogrammed, V Early, Rare
Regular price£3,498.00
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This hand-built and exquisitely illustrated work is by celebrated Danish illustrator and glass, silver, textiles, ceramics designer Bjorn Wiinblad (b. 1918 - d. 2006). We know that this piece was personally handled by Wiinblad as it is signed with both Wiinblad's signature and his artist caricuture icon. Per the dating of the piece, it is attributed to have been made for Wiinblad's very first ceramic workshop 'Værksted' in Copenhagen Denmark.
The carefully crafted form of this piece is that of a centaur and from the botanical adornments, a dryad sits astride the centaurs back. Highly romantic, Wiinblad applied his exceptional creativity and imagination to both the tactile as well as the expressive line details all over both figures.
From the mildly rounded eyes to the raised leaf crowns and prominent centaur horns, attention is given right down to the pink tipped beak, crested head and tail of the small bird held between the hands of the two figures.
Handpainted onto the form is the slate-grey, blue design with complimented beautifully by intricate detailing of tiny pink rosettes, tendrils, and leaf detail.
Stylistically timeless, the combination of the design and exceptional condition of this piece as well as Wiinblad's full signature with the beret-wearing artist caricature makes it a particularly rare and noteworthy find of Wiinblad's early work.
CONDITION Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repairs. There is mild wear that is most evident in the form of faint movement marks on the underside that is commensurable with the age of the piece. The underside bears the signature 'Bjorn Wiinblad, 59 [year of production], 363 [design number], DANMARK' and artist caricature.
MEASUREMENTS Height c. 11.4" / 29 cm (from base to rim) x width c. 4.9" / 12.5 cm (across widest point). Length: c. 8.9" / 22.5 cm (longest point). Unpackaged weight: c. 1.3 kg / 1,255 g
NOTES Sculpture will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Bjorn Wiinblad (b. 1918 - d. 2006) Born in 1918 in Copenhagen, Bjorn Wiinblad began his training and path to success in 1935. Wiinblad sought the path to his first passion of art and enrolled in graphic school at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, debuting in 1945 with an extensive exhibition in Palægade, Copenhagen. He met and became firm friends with Jacob E. Bang around this time, who engaged him to work for Nymølle Pottery.
From the beginnings at Nymolle, Wiinblad received multiple commissions, from designing textile and embroidery patterns to drawing posters, books, and magazine illustrations. Wiinblad drew for the United Nations in Paris and designed costumes and stages for several theatrical performances. His fame grew in Denmark but soon would extend to Norway and Sweden and in 1950 his ceramics were exhibited at Bonnier's in New York, which specialised in Scandinavian design.
Wiinblad's recognition and acclaim would continue to grow, bringing him a silver medal at the first international ceramics festival in 1955 in Cannes, France, and appointment as artistic director for Rosenthal in 1960. During the 1960s, Wiinblad would become the owner of a number of ceramic studios including Vaerksted, Nymolle, and Det Blaa Hus. He would make Det Blaa Hus his workshop and home until his death in 2006.
Wiinblad's successes did not stop in the Sixties, his continued achievements and international success were extensively documented and celebrated.
Sanyu Glassworks Citrine Amber, Emerald Green with Gold and Silver Avventurine Vase, 1960s-70s
Regular price£295.00
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This beautifully sculpted and handblown piece is the work of mid-century Japanese glassworks Sanyu with the iconic Citrine Amber and Emerald Green. This classic Sanyu palette is accentuated with a cradling of rich Lapis Lazuli Blue at the base of the vibrant green. Wrapped around this central well of colour is a diagonal ribbon of alternating gold and silver avventurrine.
Last but absolutely not least, enveloping the jewel-like colour is the handblown clear crystal casing, shaped with a gentle twist. The highly tactile and undulating form gives this piece a brilliantly prismatic ability. The hidden prismatic magic in this piece is very apparent when it is placed in the pathway of sunlight and surfaces light up from the refractions thrown.
Whilst the Amber and Green is a common Sanyu colour combination, the addition of the blue, the gold avventurine and the arched form makes this piece a rare find.
CONDITION Excellent. No chips or cracks or damage, There is very mild wear of movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurate with age. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 9" / 23 cm tall x c. 4.7" / 12 cm width (across widest point). Base: c. 2.4" / 6 cm (across widest point). Unpackaged weight c. 1.8 kg / 1,800 g
NOTES Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Sanyu Glass Co. is based in Osaka, Japan and has been producing art glass since the 1950s. Similar to other better known Japanese glassworks of Iwatsu and Hineri, the quality and style is often mistaken for Murano and Czech glass from the same era.
Though knowledge of the Japanese glassworks is scarce in the Western countries, what is known is that the quality of Japanese art glass during the 1950s to the 1970s rivalled that of Murano, Scandinavian, and Czech glass production. Recognition has been relatively low and most pieces imported into the Western market are often simply marked with the word 'Foreign' or not at all. It is rare to discover pieces with the original glassworks or importing company's label.
Japanese Postmodern Brutalist Toyo Ito Style, Architectural Ceramic Studio Vase, 1980s
Regular price£338.00
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Discover the intersection of art and design with this Japanese studio work. On prominent display are echoes of Toyo Ito's visionary design ethos, and the evident appreciation for innovative structural and construction approaches. A seamless blend of Postmodern and Brutalist design, the central feature appearing on both sides of the vase is the highly tactile graduated steps in hues of gloss Charcoal overlaid onto the base of pale Sandstone tone. The layout of the steps carries design whispers of Escher and an almost Bionic quality. This is offset and complimented by an equally organic semi-matte Cyberpunk net in the ethereal golden tones resting on the opposing shoulder of the vase.
A firm statement piece in excellent condition.
CONDITION Excellent. No chips or repairs. There are faint movement marks on the underside of the base commensurable with the age of the piece. Please refer to the photos as they form part of the condition report. The body of the vase bears the artist's mark that has yet to be identified.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 8.8" / 22.3 cm tall x c. 11" / 28 cm length (across widest point). Depth: c. 3.9" / 10 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.3 kg / 1,330 g
NOTES Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
Marian Zawadski for Tilgmans Keramik 1966 Mid Century Modern Sgraffito Sculptural Bottle Floor Vase
Regular price£1,695.00
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This striking work of Swedish Mid-Century Modernist design the signed work of Marian Zawadski (b. 1912 - d. 1978) a professor, artist, and ceramist who became artistic director for Tilgmans Keramik of Gothenburg, Sweden during the 1950s.
Zawadski's experimentation with the Sgraffito technique brought great popularity and appreciation for Tilgman's ceramics and his work became exemplary for Tilgmans.
Zawadski's stylised use of the Sgraffito technique is a significant feature in this piece, with deep incisions creating the heavily arched, angular, and textured décor. True to the roots of Modernist design, the simple bottle form with boldly geometric décor overlaid onto the base material speaks to an honest expression of the natural earthenware. From the incised décor to the glaze to the earthenware, all aspects are highly tactile. The unglazed sections create a confident contrast against the individually glazed sections of boldly geometric, Sgraffito décor. The vase is finished with an interior of gloss glaze that is coloured in Powdered Duck Egg tone.
This Swedish Modernist work is stylistically bold and timeless, making it suitable as a statement feature for its surrounding space.
CONDITION Superb. No cracks or repairs. There are minor, negligible chips on the exterior which are commensurate with the age of the piece, and mild use wear on the interior. Please refer to the photos as they form part of the condition report. The base of the body is incised with Zawadski's signature 'A.M.Z' and dated '1966'. The underside of the base of the vase is stamped with 'Tilgmans Keramik' and 'Made in Sweden' stamp and model number '620'.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 22.2" / 56.5 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 4.5" / 11.5 cm rim diameter. Base diameter: c. 6.1" / 15.5 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 5.8 kg / 5,800 g.
NOTES Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Marian Zawadski (b. 1912 - d. 1978) Antoni Marian Zawadski (sometimes known as 'Zawadzki' or 'Zawadsky') was an associate professor, artist, and ceramist, was born in Poland in 1912 who, as a refugee, moved to Gothenburg in Sweden in 1953. In Gothenburg, he worked as an artistic director at Tilgmans Keramik. Zawadski is best known for his richly decorated objects in the Sgraffito technique.
His works included lamp bases, vases, bowls, urns and wall plates and he would receive commissions for public, municipal, and private buildings. Zawadski would leave Tilgman's Ceramics in 1970, moving to Vallda outside Kungsbacka where he opened his own workshop, Vallda Keramik. The production in his own workshop is very similar to his work at Tilgmans.
Bertil Vallien for Boda Glassworks, Handblown Iridescent Sandblast Art Glass Bowl, Unique, 1960s-71
Regular price£735.00
Save £-735.00
This striking handblown work of Swedish art glass design is by Bertil Vallien (b. 1938 - ), celebrated glass artist, sculptor, ceramist, and designer. Vallien's career in glass began at Boda Glassworks in 1963, upon his return to Sweden from his studies in art and ceramics, both in Sweden and the US. Vallien's experimentation with sand-casting glass techniques would eventually bring him fame and this fascination is evident even in this exploratory piece.
The exterior surface of this piece is undulating, uneven, and with a base colour of pearlescent green. The next layer is a dappling in rich Inky Indigo which encircles the bowl interspersed with what appears to be a Powdered Peach tone. The iridescence is underpinned with lava-rock-like texture and the whole piece is finished with a dusted Peridot-toned 'pebble'. The interior of the bowl is a smooth, semi-matte and frosted layer of glass overlaid in iridescence.
The overall effect is quite spectacular, giving the air of a delicate bowl carved from an extraterrestrial iridescent geode of quartz crystal and lava.
This particular piece is numbered and marked as 'Unik', indicating that it is a unique piece and when combined with the design, craftsmanship and condition, makes this piece a rare find.
CONDITION Excellent, no chips, cracks or repairs. Age-commensurate wear, most prominently on the underside of the bowl, please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The bowl is inscribed with 'BODA UNIK 3645 B.VALLIEN. The exterior also bears the silver label 'Handmade Boda Sweden'.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 3.2" / 8.2 cm x c. 4.1" / 10.4 cm diameter (across widest point). Base diameter: c. 2" / 5cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.3 kg / 275 g.
NOTES Bowl will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Born in 1938, Bertil Vallien was only 15 when he left home, drawn by the allure of the big city. After a series of occasional jobs, as a window-dresser at one of the main department stores in Stockholm, and as an apprentice in his father's decorating firm, Vallien would eventually decide to become an artist which would lead him into the world of ceramics. The guidance he received in his early career included that of Stig Lindberg - one of Sweden's foremost designers of ceramic art and one of the leading designers for Rörstrand in the 1970s.
Today, Vallien is one of the most well-known representatives of 20th-century Swedish ceramic and art glass design and is represented at the Swedish National Museum of Art and Design as well as abroad at the Everson Museum of Art of New York.
Vallien's works have only become more collectable over the years with sculptures from his Head and Journey (Boat) series fetching up to $20,000 USD.
Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda, Att. Silver Boat Series, Sand Cast Art Glass Sculpture, Limited Edition
Regular price£1,800.00
Save £-1,800.00
This striking work of Swedish art glass design is by Bertil Vallien (b. 1938 - ), a celebrated glass artist, sculptor, ceramist, and designer. This piece is attributed as a variation of the Columbus series which Vallien created for Kosta Boda and is 1 of 100 pieces.
Suspended inside the sculpture are symbols through which Vallien communicates, icons, and mythological expression. This boat tells the journey from yesterday to tomorrow. The ship forms an encapsulated timeline where the stern is the past, and the bow is what is to come. The center of the boat bears the passenger, ladder, and a celestial body. The bow is clear, as the future is unwritten and hopeful. The piece is finished with solid clear interior created by the pouring of molten glass and silver plating on the exterior.
Vallien's sand casting technique has brought him worldwide acclaim. Using wooden models, he creates a hollow in the sand which is then filled with various powdered oxides giving finishings from textures to frosted patterns of colour. The 'story' is created by Vallien with the placement of the symbols and icons before molten glass is poured into the sand moulds.
CONDITION Excellent, no chips, cracks or repairs. Age-commensurate wear, most prominently on the exterior silver plating, please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The sculpture is inscribed with '7520114 Kosta Boda, Lim. ['Limited Edition'] B Vallien ' and labelled on the exterior with the 'KOSTA BODA, Sweden 1742' label.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 2.3" / 5.8 cm x c. 9.8" / 25 cm in length x c. 2.6" / 6.5 cm width. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.2 kg / 1,205 g
NOTES Sculpture will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Born in 1938, Bertil Vallien was only 15 when he left home, drawn by the allure of the big city. After a series of occasional jobs, as a window-dresser at one of the main department stores in Stockholm, and as an apprentice in his father's decorating firm, Vallien would eventually decide to become an artist which would lead him into the world of ceramics. The guidance he received in his early career included that of Stig Lindberg - one of Sweden's foremost designers of ceramic art and one of the leading designers for Rörstrand in the 1970s.
Today, Vallien is one of the most well-known representatives of 20th-century Swedish ceramic and art glass design and is represented at the Swedish National Museum of Art and Design as well as abroad at the Everson Museum of Art of New York.
Vallien's works have only become more collectable over the years with sculptures from his Head and Journey (Boat) series fetching up to $20,000 USD.
Crown Devon, Art Deco, Powdered Verdigris and Latte Palette, Tapered Vase, 1930s
Regular price£63.00
Save £-63.00
This elegantly glamourous work of Art Deco design is by the British Pottery Crown Devon. Like much of Art Deco design, there is a focus on shape and absence of extravagance, however, the form of this piece also carries strong echoes of the Art Deco Odeon style.
Art Deco Odeon style references the revolution in British style brought about by the c.260 Odeon cinemas that sprung up across the UK from the late 1920s. Over 13 years, Oscar Deutsch created a circuit of cinemas where the buildings celebrated Art Deco Modernism with sweeping, simple yet strongly defined lines.
The central feature of the vase is the plinthed conical form that is complimented by the strongly defined straight and curved 'struts' on either side. The glaze across the entire palette of Powdered Verdigris, Latte and Slate-Blue is semi-matte, giving understated refinement to the stylised leaf design.
Timeless in style and when combined with the featured design; the size and overall condition of this piece make this a rare find.
CONDITION Excellent. There are no chips or repairs. There is mild surface wear to movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurate with the age of the piece. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base bears Crown Devon's stamp and the model number '2406'.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 7.6" / 19.3 cm (from base to rim) x c. 5.5" / 14 cm diameter (across widest point). Base diameter: c. 4.1" / 10.5 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.7 kg / 725 g
NOTES Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Crown Devon Fieldings (1870 - 1982) The pottery was founded in 1870 by Simon Fieldings in Stoke on Trent but it would be 10 years later before they began to produce Majolica style pottery that was popular during the 1880s. Their product range began to expand in the 1890s, working with British United Clock company and they would continue to expand their product range as popularity flourished after successful world trade fairs in the 1900s. They sustained their success for over a century before sadly closing in 1982 at the time of the recession.
Andrews Oakville (Marked as Sold Out - Unavailable for Online Purchase)
Mid-20th Century Italian 'Alla Moda' Handpainted Poppies Art Pottery Dish, 1960s-70S
Regular price£44.03
Save £-44.03
This stylised Italian 'Alla Moda' [Tr. 'Fashionable'] work of Art Pottery is of mid-century Modernist design.
Currently held on consignment at Andrews Oakville
The gently exaggerated curves create beautifully sleek arches giving the dish the form of a lightly curled leaf. Accentuating the form is a textured Milk white glaze that creates the canvas for the handpainted vibrant Poppy and flora design with a gold-edged trim framing the pieces.
This charming and elegant work is suitable for standalone display or for functional use as a vide poche.
CONDITION Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repairs. The most notable wear is to the handpainted gold trim and mild movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurable with the age of the pieces. Mentioned for completeness: There is one area at the base rim with incomplete glazing and dusting of black glaze that was part of the production process and not damage. Please refer to photographs as they form part of the condition report. The base bears the handpainted model numbers '1459/42', '4759/49' and the origin of 'Italy'.
MEASUREMENTS Height c. 3.1" / 8 cm. Width (widest point) measurements: c. 7.7" / 19.5 cm. Length: c. 10.2" / 26 cm. Base measurements: c. 4.1" / 10.5 cm x c. 2.2" / 5.5 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.6 kg / 610 g
Miloslav Klinger for Zelezny Brod Sklo, Emerald Teal, Winged Form Bowl, 1960s-70s, Czech-Bohemia
Regular price£65.00
Save £-65.00
This beautifully biomorphic work of Czech Modernist art glass was designed by Miloslav Klinger (b. 1922 - d. 1999) for Bohemian glassworks Zelezny Brod Sklo (ZBS). Handblown and hot-worked, gently exaggerated folds, curves, and arcs are executed with expert technique around the solid glass base and the central theme to the winged contemporary form of this piece.
Currently held on consignment at Andrews Oakville
Crafted in the less common jewel-like tone of Emerald teal, the form and condition of this piece make it a rarer find and a gem to the art glass enthusiast's collection.
CONDITION Excellent, no chips or cracks or repairs. There is very mild surface wear that is commensurate with the age of the piece and most evident in movement marks on the underside of the base. Please refer to the photos as they form part of the condition report.
MEASUREMENTS Height c. 2.8" / 7 cm. Length (longest point) measurements: c. 5.6" / 14.3 cm. Width (widest point) measurements: c. 3.1" / 8 cm. Base measurements: c. 1.7" / 4.3 cm x c. 1.4" / 3.6 cm. Unpackaged weight: 0.6 kg / 565 g
A BIT OF HISTORY Miloslav Klinger (b. 1922 - d. 1999) Miloslav Klinger was born in Hrubá Horka near Železný Brod. After a year of apprenticeship in glass chandeliers with Josef Kleinert, Klinger studied at the Glass School in Železný Brod under the guidance of prof. Jaroslav Brychta and master Jan Stuchlík. After graduating, Klinger worked in Kleiert's company as a designer for two years. After completing his studies, Klinger returns to Železný Brod as a designer, where, apart from his brief career as director of the Glass School in Železný Brod, he remained throughout his life.
Zelezny Brod Glassworks Železný Brod is an old glass-producing town founded in the eleventh century. It was originally known as Brod ("ford") or Brodek ("little ford"). Železný ("iron") was added to its name in the fourteenth century, alluding to the town's steelworks. The town's main industry is represented by producers of blow-moulded glass, as well as that of jewellers. The Železný Brod (ZBS) glassworks was created in 1948 as a result of nationalisation, at the time, this was made up of 9 glass factories in the town. ZBS being particularly well known for its free-form organic vases and bowls designed by Miroslav Klinger.
Hjordis Oldfors for Upsala Ekeby, 1958 Palma Series, Textured Gold and Teal Floor Vase, Sweden
Regular price£2,295.00
Save £-2,295.00
This stunning statement work of Swedish mid-century Modernist design is by Hjördis Oldfors (b. 1920 - d. 2014) for Upsala Ekeby. Oldfors was a celebrated Swedish ceramicist and designer, known for the many popular series she designed at Upsala Ekeby. Designed and in production from 1958, this particular piece with the form of a stylised bottle floor vase comes from Oldfors' Palma series.
Currently held on consignment at Andrews Oakville
The series is characterised by its highly tactile, textured décor resembling the ridged petioles of palm leaves. The hand-painted decor is glazed with a base of rich and semi-matte Teal green, through which the Dark-Chocolate toned earthenware beneath can be seen at the ridges. The rich glaze graduates into the Golden Chartreuse dappling the length of the vase neck and ending with an accent of Ink black glaze on the interior.
Timeless in aesthetic style yet very representative of the mid-century Swedish Modernist design movement, the size and design of this Palma series work are very much sought after and rare to market.
CONDITION Very Good. There is mild surface wear that is commensurate with age, most noticeable as minor bruising to the glaze at the rim. The underside of the vase is inscribed with Upsala Ekebys stamp 'UE Sweden', bearing Oldfors 'HJ' monogram and the model number '5134'.
MEASUREMENTS Vase Height: c. 20.2" / 51.5 cm tall (from base to tallest point). Rim diameter: c. 4.7" / 12 cm x c. 3.3" / 8.5 cm. Diameter (across widest point): c. 6.1" / 15.5 cm. Base measurements: c. 5.9" / 15 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 4.8 kg / 4,755 g
A BIT OF HISTORY Hjördis Hanna Maria Oldfors (b. 1920 - d. 2014) was a celebrated Swedish ceramicist, painting, and textile artist. Oldfors is known for many series she designed at Upsala Ekeby which went on to become classics; including Poäng (Points), Kokos (Coconut), Trio (Trio), Palma (Palma), and Granit (Granite). Oldfors is represented at a number of museums including; National Museum (Sweden), Röhsska Museum, and the Nordenfjeldske Konstindustrimuseum.
Though Oldfors was a late arrival to her ceramics career, beginning her studies in 1947 in Gothenburg, she became incredibly successful. Her career at Upsala Ekeby began in 1950 when she was 30 and she would go on to set up her own studio 'Bränd Form' with a number of exhibitions representing Upsala Ekeby and her own studio. The curators of the day are notably known to have said "She has an astonishing certainty in the abstract decor and its adaptation to the form. In this area, she does not have many competitors in our ceramics."
Luigi Onesto for VA, Murano Triple Sommerso Slice Form Perfume Bottle, Signed, 70s-80s
Regular price£267.30
Save £-267.30
This striking work of Murano art glass in the Triple Sommerso technique, handblown in temperatures of c. 2,400°F / 1,300°C was from Luigi Onesto for his studio La Vetreria Artistica Oball.
Currently held on consignment at Andrews Oakville
With an elegant beauty created by the masterful execution of the Sommerso art glass technique, Sommerso is one of the most commonly known Murano techniques, which in Italian literally means “submerged”. This technique is used to create several layers of glass (usually with different contrasting colours) inside a single object, giving the illusion of “immersed” colours without mixing.
In art glass, and particularly in this piece, the edges are anything but vague. The core colour of this sculpted piece is a vibrant Teal green, Ultraviolet purple and Hot Fuschia pink. The work is accented with a lollipop stopper containing 3 rings of concentrated colours from the palette.
The final form is a softly rounded slice with two polished facets which provide excellent windows to the feature of colour layers. This exceptional work of sculpted art glass is timelessly Modern yet luxurious in style and brings an elevated yet glamorous simplicity.
CONDITION Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repairs. There is faint wear of movement marks on the underside of the bases that are commensurate with the age. Please refer to the photographs as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base is signed with 'L. Onesto Murano'. The label 'Vetreria Artistica Oball Murano' is also on the body of the bottle.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 5.7" / 14.6 cm (base to stopper) x c. 4.4" / 11.3 cm length (across longest point) x width: c. 3.3" / 8.5 cm (across widest point). Unpackaged weight: c. 1.1 kg / 1,120 g.
A BIT OF HISTORY Luigi Onesto for Vetreria Artistica OballOne of the most famous makers of Italian Murano art glass is Luigi Onesto. Born in Murano, Italy to a family of glass-makers, Luigi was immersed in the art from an early age. At 15, he honed his craft during his apprenticeship at Gambaro & Poggi, one of the oldest and leading glass-making companies in Italy at the time. Eventually, he founded his own art glass studio, Vetreria Artistica Oball, where he now works with his sons.
Luigi’s work is characterised by his exceptionally skilled use of the Sommerso technique. Sommerso involves layering multiple colours of glass for a very distinctive and beautiful effect. It is not a simple process by any means and in the hands of lesser artists, the effect is often ruined by the presence of air bubbles between the layers.
Sommerso is one of the most commonly known Murano techniques, which in Italian literally means “submerged”. This technique is used to create several layers of glass (usually with different contrasting colours) inside a single object, giving the illusion of “immersed” colours without mixing.
The different layers of glass are put through heat, repeatedly immersing them in pots of molten coloured glass. This technique is easily recognisable; characterised by an outer layer of colourless glass and thick layers of coloured glass inside it. The effect is as if a big drop of colour had been captured inside the clear glass.
