Italian Glass

Italian Glass

Italian Glass

Art glass is back to the forefront of international design. Some of the best-crafted, most vibrant, and desirable examples were made during theIf you are lucky enough to own some Murano glass from this golden period, it could be worth a small fortune - especially if it is by a top studio, such as Venini & C.

The small island of Murano in the Venetian lagoon has been home to glass makers since the 14th century, and its glass works have always borrowed freely from each other. Studying the best wares will help you to spot good-quality pieces by lesser-known designers and factories, which are available at more modest prices . Dramatic colour  combinations were used in stripes, patchworks, swirls, and free abstract designs. Talented designers used glass in original ways, sometimes applying traditional Venetian decorative techniques to new fluid forms.

Leading the revival

Italian Glass

Paolo Venini, co-owner of the Venini  glassworks, was also a designer, and his glass-works employed other fine designers such as Carlo Scarpa and Fulvio Bianconi. Scarpa developed the techniques that Venini was known for, such as tessuto, which uses criss­crossing, finely striped canes to create an effect resembling woven fabric. In 1934, he started using the sommerso (submerged) technique, casing (that is, covering) the main colour with a thin layer of another colour and then a layer of clear glass.Bianconi used coloured tesserae (tiles) to create the dramatic 'Pezzato' (patchwork) vase and the bold stripes on the 'Spicchi' (segments) vase. 



The fazzoletto (handkerchief) vase series - shaped to resemble a scrunched-up handkerchief - was designed by Bianconi and Venini and produced in various sizes and styles from the 1950s. Originals fetch around £200 or more but good copies are available for less.

A change of scale

The leading studios also produced less expensive, often witty, items. In the 1950s and 60s Venini made fish-shaped paperweights, giant eggs, and two- colour egg-timers in different sizes. Prices start at £150 for smaller sizes.

Italian Glass

The colour, vibrancy, and wit of post­war Murano glass was not the sole preserve of major factories and designers. A host of traditional, smaller workshops produced quantities of more affordable Mnrano pieces, and although these shared some of the same features as more luxurious pieces, they were often aimed at the tourist trade. They also borrowed and adapted new designs by the great names. These pieces epitomize the style and colour of Murano glass, if not always the quality of the originals.

Modestly priced Murano glass can be found at collectors' fairs, charity shops, and car-boot sales. Striking colours and innovative designs are sometimes combined with traditional Venetian decorative techniques, such as stripes and latticinio (a white, milk-coloured glass made in thin threads and arranged into a spiral or net pattern), and cut facets and contrasting colours.

The sommerso menagerie

Italian Glass

The sommerso technique used by the leading glass designers was also used by other Murano glassworks to make a wide variety of decorative glass items, including animals.



 While a signed piece by a well-known factory will be expensive, there are plenty of good unsigned or unattributed itemsthat cost much less than £100. Larger pieces are more likely to appreciate in value than smaller ones, as they are less common and their visual impact also makes them popular.

Sommerso ashtrays were produced in vast quantities in the 1950s and 60s at a time when smoking was still stylish. These are readily found in rounded shapes and with facet cutting, and often cost less than £-60.

Italian Glass

Sommerso vases come in a variety of shapes from geometric to abstract free- form, often incorporating generous curves. Free- form pieces with extending rims or peaks tend to cost more; they are also vulnerable to damage. The geometric vases have cut facets that reflect the light in eye-catching scintillations. They can be picked up for £25-100.

Colourful characters

Italian Glass

Animals and character figurines have been a staple of novelty and souvenir items since the 1950s. They were produced in large numbers by skilled workers. Their appeal and price depend on the quality of workmanship and their condition.

Look for fine detail, originality, and complexity of design. Clowns and musicians were favourite subjects. The figures were made in pairs, usually male and female, often depicted in elaborate historical costumes. A pair is more desirable and valuable than a single figure, and they can range from £15 to around .£100 each.Animals may he detailed and realistic, or more stylised. Dogs, cats, and birds are popular, as are fish. A 25cm (9%in) high Scottie' dog from the 1950s may fetch around £80-100.

These wares were often assembled from small pieces of glass, so are vulnerable to breakage. Any damage or repair will reduce the value, so check carefully before buying a piece by feeling along any potential fracture sites - sharp edges are a warning sign.

Novelty value

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to collecting novelties. The more ingenious, charming, or humorous they are, the greater their appeal and the higher the price they are likely to fetch. Size and quality also affect price. Most pieces command less than £100. Typical Murano novelties include glass eggs (copied from the successful Venini range of the 1950s and 60s), egg-timers, and animals.

Italian Glass

Many of these Italian Glass  novelties are still made today. To be sure that you buya genuine vintage piece, check it carefully for signs of age. such as light and criss-crossing scratches on the base, accumulated from years of being slid across the surfaces on which they have stood.

Souvenirs and small novelties made in the last 20 years are unlikely to rise in value. It is best to buy or keep them because you like them, rather than as an investment.