Green Glass Cat Sculpture attributed to Toso et Bagnoli, Empoli, 1950s

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Description

A Vetro Verde glass cat sculpture by Toso et Bagnoli, hand-crafted in the Empoli region of Italy during the 1950s. … Read more A Vetro Verde glass cat sculpture by Toso et Bagnoli, hand-crafted in the Empoli region of Italy during the 1950s. Executed in rich emerald-green glass, this whimsical feline is among the firm's most celebrated decorative creations and represents the playful innovation of post-war Italian glassmaking. The sculpture is constructed from three individually worked elements, with the arched body incorporating all four legs and decorated with a spiral trail of controlled internal bubbles suspended within the glass. The expressive head and tall upright tail are expertly hot-applied by hand, while the face is completed with applied white and black glass eyes, a small nose and delicate whiskers, demonstrating the skill of the Empoli artisans. During the 1950s, Toso et Bagnoli became renowned for producing imaginative animal sculptures and decorative objects in Vetro Verde, the distinctive emerald-green glass for which the Empoli district became internationally recognised. Their work reflected the optimism and creativity of post-war Italian design and was produced alongside collaborations with some of Italy's leading designers, most notably Gio Ponti. The significance of these whimsical sculptures is reflected by the inclusion of this exact cat model in the permanent collection of the Museo del Vetro di Empoli in Tuscany, where it is recognised as an important example of the region's celebrated post-war glass production. Original examples by Toso et Bagnoli are becoming increasingly difficult to source, particularly complete sculptures retaining all of their applied details. Their rarity, association with one of Empoli's foremost glassmakers, and representation in the Museo del Vetro have established these charming animal figures among the most desirable decorative objects produced by the Empoli glass industry during the mid-twentieth century. Both sculptural and playful, this piece embodies the expressive character that has made Italian art glass of the period so enduringly collectible.

Condition Very good vintage condition. There is one minuscule chip to the polished tip of the tail. Otherwise the sculpture is exceptionally well preserved with no further damage noted.

Dimensions Height: 18 cm (7.09 in.) Width: 14.5 cm (5.71 in.) Depth: 7 cm (2.76 in.) 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



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