20th Century Tulip Bowl Iridescent Murano Sommerso Glass attributed to Alfredo Barbini for Seguso, 1950s

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Description

MEASUREMENTS:
Height: 6.4 cm; Diameter: 8.5 cm; Weight: 0.552 kg

Item :
Refined tulip-shaped bowl, crafted from sommerso glass with … Read more MEASUREMENTS:
Height: 6.4 cm; Diameter: 8.5 cm; Weight: 0.552 kg

Item :
Refined tulip-shaped bowl, crafted from sommerso glass with an elegant scalloped and contoured rim. The main structure is distinguished by the use of a transparent iridescent glass, particularly visible at the rim, achieved through the hot application of metallic powder solutions that create splendid iridescent reflections. The underlying body of the vase is enriched by the inclusion of a glass paste obtained from light-colored inert materials with numerous small dark inclusions, masterfully incorporated into the thickness of the transparent glass. This extremely complex and sophisticated manufacturing technique was used only by the most important Murano masters of the 20th century, such as Alfredo Barbini, who practiced various experiments with glass to achieve unique effects. The work is unsigned, but due to its excellent craftsmanship, it is legitimately attributed to Alfredo Barbini for the Archimede Seguso glassworks. The lack of an initials is most likely due to the small size of the base: the grinding mark (pontile) is clearly visible on the bottom, marking the point where the pontello (a metal rod used by the master glassmakers to support the object during the various stages of firing and processing) separated from the glass. This finishing touch minimized the space available for diamond-tipped engraving, a very common occurrence in Murano glasswork of this scale and style. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution See less