Mid-Century Modern Italian Murano Ashtray Dish, Pestle Snuffer & Table Lighter W/22k Gold Aventurine Infusions & Bullicante Air Bubbles - 3 Pcs

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Description

This stunning mid-century Italian modern art glass ‘smoking set' from the Venetian island of Murano is made of transparent glass … Read more 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. See less