Details
Description
This stunning mid-century Italian modern art glass ‘smoking set' from the Venetian island of Murano is made of transparent glass …
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This stunning mid-century Italian modern art glass ‘smoking set' from the Venetian island of Murano is made of transparent glass with encased 'Aventurine" 22-K gold leaf infusions and 'Bullicante' controlled air bubbles...two distinctive techniques made famous by glass masters of Murano's 'Golden Era'.
Dated to the 1960's, these pieces possess the hallmarks of and MAY be the work of Murano master artisan Archimede Seguso, or at least his studio, although none of the pieces are signed thusly and no professional attribution has been made to artisan Seguso. It is known that his works were not always signed.
With their neutral coloration and timeless and rather minimalist design, this trio of collectible-quality heirloom pieces blend easily into a multitude of styles and settings including even more modern ones:
* a bowl-shaped ashtray with a sensual amorphous form, pinched and folded-over sides and an indentation at one end originally conceived as a resting place for cigarette or cigar; it sits on a nearly round base and makes a striking vide poche, a bowl to hold jewelry, candy or potpourri or a catchall for other items;
* a pestle-shaped tobacco snuffer with a disk-shaped base designed to snuff out lit tobacco; it is abundantly infused with Aventurine 22K gold flakes but is without air bubbles due to its small size;
* a globe-shaped table lighter fitted with its original (removable) brass-toned metal lighter mechanism American-made by Evans.
Specifications (very close but not necessarily precise):
Bowl-ashtray: Length 6 in x width 5.5 in x height 2.5 in; base diameter 2.5 in; weight 2 lbs.
Snuffer: Length 3.25 in X base diameter 1.25 in
Table lighter: Height 3.5 in X diameter 3 in (widest point)
NOTE ON LIGHTER: The original Evans lighter mechanism does NOT seem to be functioning properly although it has not been tested with lighter fluid. Both flint and spring have been newly replaced and the thumb lever works, but the wheel does mot consistently work. The lighter mechanism may be repairable or replaceable, but that would be the responsibility (and at the cost of) the buyer.
The lighter's historical, collectible and decorative value remains. It may also have unique alternative practical uses with the lighter mechanism removed. The lighter cavity is perfectly sized to hold loose wooden safety matches (1.75-2 inch length) and a match striker adhesive 'label' could be affixed to the bottom of the glass globe. The cavity could also hold Q-Tips for a vanity.SEE PHOTOS for these examples. A set of loose matches as shown will be included with purchase as well as striker stickers.
The art glass is in exceptional condition, especially for age and use. There are no cracks, gouges, obvious scratches, crazing or dulling, and no repairs. There is a very minuscule chip at edge of the underside base which can be felt but was not visible in photos.
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- Dimensions
- 6ʺW × 5.5ʺD × 2.5ʺH
- Designer
- Murano
- Styled After
- Archimede Seguso
- Period
- 1960s
- Country of Origin
- Italy
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Art Glass
- Blown Glass
- Brass Finish
- Gold Leaf
- Murano Glass
- Venetian Glass
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Transparent
- Condition Notes
- This vintage Murano set is in exceptionally good condition for its age and use. The bowl-ashtray has a minuscule chip … moreThis vintage Murano set is in exceptionally good condition for its age and use. The bowl-ashtray has a minuscule chip at the edge of the underside base that is not clearly visible in a photo, but it can be felt by touch (although just barely). The original lighter mechanism insert is NOT currently working (see further details in the Description section above) and is being sold with that understanding. NO warranty or guarantee as to operation of this lighter mechanism is being made by seller. less
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Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
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