Mandruzzato Style Murano “Sommerso” Glass Ashtray

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A substantial and distinctive Murano glass ashtray characterized by a bold, sculptural profile with sharply cut edges and pronounced angles. … Read more A substantial and distinctive Murano glass ashtray characterized by a bold, sculptural profile with sharply cut edges and pronounced angles. The vivid red-orange coloration—achieved using gold chloride combined with a mixture of sulfur and cadmium—contrasts beautifully with the perfectly clear glass, which was produced by melting exceptionally pure silica. Any impurities in the raw material would otherwise cause unwanted coloration in the glass. This ashtray was produced between 1964 and 1968 in a small Murano glass furnace (Italy) operated by former master glassmakers of the Mandruzzato company. The artisans created this piece following the stylistic language of the renowned manufacturer and employing the characteristic “sommerso” glass technique. The sommerso technique was first developed in Murano toward the end of the 1930s, but it became widely popular in the 1950s thanks to the skill and creativity of Murano’s master glassmakers. This process allows multiple layers of different colors to be superimposed, creating remarkable chromatic depth and visual effects. The effect is achieved by repeatedly immersing the glass while it is still being worked into crucibles containing molten glass of different colors. The finished object is therefore composed of several layers, each with its own thickness and tone, producing striking internal color effects and decorative depth. This complex procedure requires exceptional expertise and is performed only by highly experienced master glassmakers. After the layering process, the master glassmaker shaped the piece using specialized smoothing tools, giving the ashtray its distinctive geometric and linear form. Once cooled, the object underwent the delicate process of hand-leveling and polishing with cork wheels, a traditional finishing technique that produces perfectly smooth surfaces and an exceptional brilliance. The Mandruzzato company is a renowned Murano glass manufacturer celebrated for its refined artistic glass creations. Its ashtrays, in particular, are appreciated for their vibrant colors, bold geometric designs, striking color combinations, and outstanding craftsmanship. Each example represents a small work of art that reflects the creativity and technical mastery of Murano’s glass artisans. The craftsmen who produced this piece skillfully mastered the glass's coloration, creating a form that is both strong and elegant while transforming the molten material into a visually captivating object. The quality of the workmanship and the purity of the surfaces contribute to beautiful and engaging plays of light. The ashtray is in good condition. Any small internal or surface irregularities in the glass—such as tiny bubbles, slight streaks, or inclusions—are typical characteristics of handcrafted Murano glass and should be regarded as evidence of the traditional artisanal process rather than defects caused by modern industrial production. Dimensions: Diameter: 17 cm (6.69 in). Height: 8 cm (3.15 in) See less