Mid-Century Zanfirico, Reticello, and Millefiori Murano Glass Egg Paperweight

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From the estate of Pacific Northwest Antique Dealers and Collectors for over 60 years:

This paperweight is a fabulous example … Read more From the estate of Pacific Northwest Antique Dealers and Collectors for over 60 years:

This paperweight is a fabulous example of some of the most difficult glassblowing techniques often seen in Murano glass: gorgeous multicolor zanfirico* twists combined with reticello* white lattice-work and wonderful millefiori.* Although unmarked, it has been verified by a certified appraiser as Murano.

A perfect addition to your art glass collection—or the beginning of one! Display just about anywhere: stunning in a window, on a shelf or mantle and especially on your desk. A truly special gift. And because each piece is made by hand, no two are alike.

*Zanfirico, *Reticello and *Millefiori are types of high-quality glass filigree work. They are difficult to create and require a particular set of glassblowing skills:

Zanfirico consists of lines of opaque glass turned together while pulling the glass rods creating a spiral inside, then wrapped in a clear cover. Zanfirico (also known as filigrana a retortoli) involves joining the characteristic transparent canes while hot with interwoven threads incorporated into them to obtain a unique glass pattern, which is then worked and blown into the desired shape.

Reticello (Italian for “glass with a small network”) is named for the characteristic mesh texture that can be observed inside. To obtain the a reticello filigree, two cylinders with opposite spirals are blown and opened, and then inserted one inside the other, welding the walls together. This is how the characteristic diamond design is achieved, with a tiny bubble of air trapped at the center of the "lattice."

Millefiori, also known as Murrine, is one of the best-known and highly sought after techniques of Murano glass making. It stands for "a thousand flowers" in Italian, and the end result of this painstaking work producing lovely flowers showing off their beautiful colors. See less