Murano Acquario Sculptural Glass Solifleur Vase by Alfredo Barbini, Italy, 1960s

Details

Description

Alfredo barbini — signed murano glass aquarium sculpture / solifleur, italy, c. 1960s

a substantial solid murano glass aquarium sculpture … Read more Alfredo barbini — signed murano glass aquarium sculpture / solifleur, italy, c. 1960s

a substantial solid murano glass aquarium sculpture by alfredo barbini, featuring three stylized fish suspended within a richly articulated underwater composition. Hand-signed “barbini murano” in cursive to the base. Italy, circa 1960s.

formed from two exceptionally thick sections of glass enclosing a narrow vertical cavity, the work combines the presence of a solid glass sculpture with the discreet function of a solifleur vase.

h 7.7 in. (19.5 cm) × w 3.9 in. (10 cm) × d 1.5 in. (3.8 cm). Weight: 4.3 lb (1.97 kg).

an exceptional example of alfredo barbini’s sculptural approach to murano glass, this signed work is conceived as a miniature marine environment captured within an unusually dense and substantial body of glass.
the composition is built from two separate glass sections, approximately 1.8 cm and 1.5 cm thick, joined to create a compact, almost monolithic form. Between them runs a narrow vertical cavity approximately 11.5 cm deep, allowing the piece to hold a single stem. This subtle functional element is almost concealed within the sculpture, revealing the object’s dual identity as both an autonomous work in glass and an unusually conceived solifleur vase.
the treatment of the two principal surfaces is notably different. The front is smooth and optically clear, opening a direct view into the internal composition, while the reverse is more tactile and irregular, with a finely textured, dotted surface that emphasizes the handmade character of the glass.
within the transparent mass, three stylized fish appear suspended at different levels, creating the impression of an aquarium frozen in time. One fish rises higher within the composition, visually drawing the eye toward the narrow opening above.
deep cobalt-blue inclusions suggest currents and areas of concentrated water, while warmer ochre-yellow passages evoke the seabed below. Numerous bubbles, deliberately dispersed through different depths of the glass, reinforce the sense of movement and spatial layering.
the considerable thickness of the material plays an essential role in the work. As the viewing angle or direction of light changes, the internal scene changes with it: colors deepen, bubbles become more or less visible, forms overlap and refract, and the fish appear alternately sharp and partially dissolved within the surrounding glass.
its physical presence is particularly remarkable. At only 7.7 inches (19.5 cm) high, the sculpture weighs approximately 4.3 lb (1.97 kg) — an unusually substantial weight for an object of this scale and a direct expression of the density and thickness of its construction.
the combination of sculptural mass, optical depth, marine imagery and discreet functionality makes this a particularly compelling barbini work: an object intended to be experienced from multiple viewpoints and one whose character changes continuously with light.
details
designer / maker: alfredo barbini
origin: murano, venice, italy
period: circa 1960s
material: hand-worked murano glass
signature: hand-signed “barbini murano” in cursive to the base
function: sculpture / solifleur vase
height: 7.7 in. / 19.5 cm
width: 3.9 in. / 10 cm
maximum depth: 1.5 in. / approx. 3.8 cm
glass sections: approx. 0.71 in. / 1.8 cm and 0.59 in. / 1.5 cm
internal cavity: approx. 4.5 in. / 11.5 cm deep
weight: 4.3 lb / approx. 1.97 kg
condition
the sculpture is in excellent vintage condition. Minor irregularities, bubbles and variations associated with the hand-working of murano glass are inherent to the manufacturing process and form part of the individual character of the piece.
please refer carefully to all photographs, including the detailed image of the hand-written signature to the base, as they form an integral part this piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less