Venetian Opalescent Glass Covered Urn, Attributed Salviati - Early 20th Century

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An elegant covered urn in hand-blown opalescent glass, probably Murano, Italy. The classically inspired form combines a flaring mouth and … Read more An elegant covered urn in hand-blown opalescent glass, probably Murano, Italy. The classically inspired form combines a flaring mouth and rounded, vertically ribbed lower body with two applied, ribbed loop handles terminating in small inward curls. A slender glass trail encircles the body, establishing a horizontal accent against the rising handles and elongated silhouette. Pale blue-white opalescence concentrates along the rims and raised ornament, contrasting with the more transparent portions of the vessel.

The removable cover rises from a broad, rounded rim through a tapering ribbed dome to a tall, double-baluster finial. Below, a lobed knop and fluted spreading support connect the bowl to a broad circular foot, repeating the rhythmic modeling of the body and cover. The underside retains a visible pontil scar consistent with hand-blown manufacture. Its sculptural character comes from the manipulation of the glass itself, with the applied handles, encircling trail, and alternating transparent and opalescent surfaces providing the decoration.

The combination of historicizing vessel form, elaborate applied glasswork, and blue-white opalescence is consistent with the firm’s Venetian revival production. Relevant comparisons include an opaline handled vase cataloged by Wright as Salviati & C., circa 1878, and a late nineteenth-century opalescent vase tentatively assigned to Antonio Salviati in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Measurements: 17.5" high × 8.625" wide across handles; base 6.25" wide. See less