Rare 1930s–1940s Empoli Verde Italian Hand-Blown Glass Pedestal Ewer

Details

Description

A rare and exceptionally sculptural example of Italian Empoli Verde glass, this hand-blown ewer or pitcher combines a near-globular vessel … Read more A rare and exceptionally sculptural example of Italian Empoli Verde glass, this hand-blown ewer or pitcher combines a near-globular vessel with an extraordinarily elongated solid glass stem, broad circular foot, and dramatically oversized applied loop handle.

Standing approximately 15" tall, the proportions are remarkable: the compact spherical body appears almost suspended above a tall, slender pedestal, while the sweeping handle rises high above the rim before curving back toward the body. The transparent sea-green glass gives the substantial form an unexpected lightness.

Research into this unusual piece has uncovered only a small number of closely comparable examples sharing this distinctive combination of globular body, elongated solid stem, broad foot, and monumental applied handle. Those examples have been attributed to Empoli, Italy, including an example currently in the Italian market and another dated circa 1940.

The form appears closely related to the artistic glass tradition that emerged in Empoli during the early decades of the 20th century. Historic Empoli glassworks including Vetrerie E. Taddei & C. and Vetreria Etrusca developed sophisticated decorative forms in the region's characteristic green glass beginning in the 1920s and 1930s. While the specific furnace responsible for this piece has not been documented, its color, hand-worked construction, exaggerated proportions, and unusual pedestal form are consistent with this early Empolese tradition.

Particularly beautiful are the subtle irregularities that reveal its handmade construction: the substantial applied handle, solid drawn stem and spreading foot, variations within the blown globe, and evidence of the pontil beneath the base.

An uncommon and visually arresting piece of early Italian art glass—equally compelling as an object of glassmaking history and as a remarkably modern sculptural form.

Attributed to the Empoli region of Tuscany, Italy. Specific glasshouse unknown; Vetrerie E. Taddei and Vetreria Etrusca are noted as important historical makers of Empoli Verde from this period, but no factory attribution is claimed.

Circa 1930s–1940s.

Approximately 15" H overall. Globular body approximately 7" H x 6" W; pedestal approximately 6.5–6.75" H; foot approximately 5" diameter. Applied handle approximately 13.5" in length.

Very good vintage condition. The glass retains characteristic evidence of its handmade production, including a small round popped air bubble at the surface, along with other subtle irregularities inherent to hand-blown glass. These are manufacturing characteristics rather than later damage. Age-appropriate surface wear is present; no chips or cracks noted. Please refer to photographs for condition and details of the hand-blown construction. See less