Alfredo Barbini Mid-Century Murano Cased Art Glass Biomorphic "Geode" Bowl/Ashtray

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Presenting this STUNNING Alfredo Barbini* glass bowl/ashtray in his “geode” style as seen in 1960s Barbini Murano Glass Catalogs (and … Read more Presenting this STUNNING Alfredo Barbini* glass bowl/ashtray in his “geode” style as seen in 1960s Barbini Murano Glass Catalogs (and earlier).

What a RARE and gorgeous combination of mauve-colored glass cased in a thin layer of opaque white glass, further encased in the most lovely butterscotchy-amber glass! This item recently sold on 1stDibs for $600.

Barbini's renowned 1950s–1960s “geode” art glass pieces are characterized by organic, biomorphic shapes and the "sommerso" (submerged) technique, creating a thick, multi-layered "geode" effect. These heavy, handcrafted bowls often feature a contrasting colored interior, a white casing, and a distinct, polished pontil. Some were signed by Alfredo Barbini or his studio (just “Barbini”), while most had paper stickers that were often removed or fell off (most likely the case of this piece).

Elegant and versatile, this is a showstopper wherever it's placed: styled on a coffee table, console, or bookshelf as a decorative object, catchall, or centerpiece.

*Born in 1912, on the islands of Murano in the lagoon of Venice, Italy, Alfredo Barbini was a glass artist and one of Murano's leading figures of the twentieth century. The Barbini family can be traced back to the 16th century of the Murano Glass industry. Known as a Venetian noble family and one of the best glass masters—whose guild received special permission to be in the Venice Golden Book—the Barbini family played active roles in Venice’s history in areas of politics, commerce, and various areas of glass production. See less