Postmodernist Smoked & Cobalt Blue Murano Glass Ice Bucket with Sculptural Waves, 1980s

Details

Description

An exceptional and sophisticated vintage ice bucket (or decorative basket) crafted from fine hand-blown Murano glass. This piece represents a … Read more An exceptional and sophisticated vintage ice bucket (or decorative basket) crafted from fine hand-blown Murano glass. This piece represents a masterful testament to late-20th-century Venetian glassmaking, harmoniously blending a luxurious and functional bar accessory with pure postmodern sculptural poetry.
The design is enhanced by a magnificent aesthetic and technical contrast. The body features a cylindrical base in clear crystal surrounded by a vibrant, fluid, heat-applied cobalt blue wave, perfectly mimicking sea waves crashing against the glass. This elegantly fades into a refined smoked glass finish on the top and handle, lending depth and character to the entire silhouette.
Structurally, the piece is a marvel of 1980s Italian design: the heavy, thick, and arched handle is crafted from solid smoked glass, meticulously molded and assembled to the bucket.
The massive base features a finely executed ponticello mark, cold-engraved and hand-polished. The turned concentric rings taper toward a perfectly smooth and polished center, ensuring excellent stability on flat surfaces and showcasing the refined traditional Venetian cold-cast finish.
The lower attachment of the glass handle features an absolutely authentic workshop mark, featuring a triangular geometric emblem placed directly above a stylized letter "M." Although the specific artisanal furnace or Venetian glassworks remains unknown, this ancient mark provides definitive proof of its authentic Murano origin and late 20th-century production.
Production Area: Murano (Venice, Italy) Period: 1980-1989 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Perfectly preserved, with no chips, cracks, or deep scratches. The glass around the mounting holes is completely intact and structurally sound. The polished base is smooth and stable.
Dimensions:
Diameter: 11.7 cm
Ice bucket height (excluding handle): 12 cm
Total height (including handle): 24.5 cm
Weight: 1.085 kg See less