14” Italian Sommerso Art Glass Giraffe – Formia / Salviati Era Thick-Gauge

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Inject a commanding burst of Mid-Century Modern elegance into your space with this monumental, stylized sommerso giraffe sculpture. Standing an … Read more Inject a commanding burst of Mid-Century Modern elegance into your space with this monumental, stylized sommerso giraffe sculpture. Standing an imposing 14.25 inches tall and weighing a substantial 4.4 pounds (over 6 pounds shipping weight), this heavy-gauge art glass masterwork possesses a remarkable structural presence and flawless architectural symmetry.

​Dating to the mid-20th century Venetian glass golden era, this exceptional piece is attributed to the legendary workshops of Formia or Salviati & C. (frequently distributed under various import labels of the era). Renowned for their highly stylized, minimalist animal figures, these furnaces mastered the seamless blend of organic form and technical precision seen here.

​The sculpture utilizes the classic Venetian sommerso technique to perfection. Suspended deep within the thick, optically clear crystal casing are razor-sharp, distinct bands of vibrant emerald green and rich amber-yellow. As light passes through the dense, fluid silhouette, the internal colors shift beautifully, highlighting the organic open cutout at the base and the elegant elongation of the neck.

​The craftsmanship is further elevated by a meticulously hand-tooled, crimped clear glass mane running the length of the spine. Anchored by an expertly finished, thick-set clear block base, this striking sculpture offers the perfect blend of playful subject matter and sophisticated vintage artistry.

​ This large-scale piece is an absolute showstopper for serious art glass collectors and interior designers alike.

​ Excellent vintage condition. Clear glass is exceptionally bright, clear, and luminous with no chips, cracks, or significant scratching. Beautifully polished block base. See less