1920s Murano Glass Stemware by Renowned Glassblower Vittorio Zecchin -Set of 11

Details

Description

A rare and refined set of eleven hand-blown Murano stemware attributed to the influential Italian designer Vittorio Zecchin (1878–1947), dating … Read more A rare and refined set of eleven hand-blown Murano stemware attributed to the influential Italian designer Vittorio Zecchin (1878–1947), dating to circa 1926. Executed in a luminous, delicately tinted glass, these goblets exemplify Zecchin’s hallmark aesthetic: restrained, elegant, and profoundly modern in its simplicity. Each glass was individually handmade, resulting in subtle variations that speak to their authenticity and craftsmanship. No two are exactly alike, yet together they form a beautifully cohesive set.

Each glass is thinly blown with a softly flared bowl, attenuated stem, and understated foot and given a smokey brown tint. The form is distinctly Venetian, drawing upon early Tuscan wine glasses of the 17th century, particularly those produced around 1625. Zecchin was deeply interested in historic Venetian and Italian glass traditions, and here he reinterprets those earlier silhouettes with a refined modern sensibility.

Details:

Maker: Attributed to Vittorio Zecchin
Origin: Italy (Tuscan / Venetian tradition)
Date: Circa 1926
Quantity: Set of 11
Height: Approximately 8 inches each
Color: Smoked amber
Condition: Excellent, no chips or cracks observed

Zecchin, born on the island of Murano, trained at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Venice and emerged as one of the most important innovators in early 20th century Venetian glass. His early collaborations with painter Teodoro Wolf Ferrari culminated in critically acclaimed presentations at the 1914 Venice Biennale, where his work bridged fine art and decorative arts. Influenced by Symbolism and the Viennese Secession, particularly the work of Gustav Klimt, Zecchin developed a visual language that balanced classical inspiration with avant-garde restraint.

From 1921 to 1925, Zecchin served as the first artistic director of Vetri Soffiati Muranesi Cappellin Venini & C., where he produced some of the most celebrated designs in Murano glass history. His work during this period and immediately following, including at Maestri Vetrai Muranesi Cappellin & C., is characterized by transparent, monochromatic forms in refined tones such as amber, amethyst, and pale green. These works consciously reference 16th and 17th century Venetian glass while establishing a new modern direction.

Condition:
All eleven glasses are in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs noted.

A scarce and cohesive service by one of Murano’s most important modern designers. Ideal for collectors of early 20th century design or those seeking a historically grounded yet architecturally elegant table setting. This size and condition and shape of this particular set is very rare and lesser sets are available elsewhere for $400+/glass. This is a very good deal for a collector who understands the rarity and works of art that these are. See less