Murano Centerpiece Bowl with Ruby Canes & 24k Gold by Vivarini Zanfirico Latticino, 1960s

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A spectacular vintage murano centrepiece bowl, attributed to vetreria artistica vivarini, featuring an exceptionally intricate combination of zanfirico, latticino, ruby … Read more A spectacular vintage murano centrepiece bowl, attributed to vetreria artistica vivarini, featuring an exceptionally intricate combination of zanfirico, latticino, ruby glass canes and 24-karat gold inclusions. This impressive hand-blown pedestal bowl is a superb example of the technical virtuosity associated with venetian glassmaking. Its generous 12½-inch diameter and sculptural form give it considerable presence, while the complexity of its construction makes it particularly appealing to collectors of fine murano art glass. The large bowl has a beautifully undulating, wrythen rim, with the body formed from alternating decorative elements of ruby-red glass canes and white latticino/zanfirico work. The cane patterning creates a dynamic sense of movement throughout the vessel, with the twisting white threads contrasting dramatically against the rich ruby tones. The bowl is supported by an elaborate pedestal stem incorporating wrythen and ribbed elements, culminating in a distinctive gold-flecked knop and a substantial wrythen foot. Delicate inclusions of 24k gold leaf within the glass provide a luxurious shimmer that becomes particularly striking when illuminated. The various components have been individually formed and assembled by hand, demonstrating a high degree of skill and precision. The combination of cane work, latticino, twisting, applied elements and gold inclusion makes this considerably more technically ambitious than a conventional murano decorative bowl. The result is a magnificent piece of mid-century venetian art glass, combining colour, movement, transparency and precious-metal decoration in a single sculptural object. A statement centrepiece with its substantial scale and elegant proportions, this bowl was clearly intended to be appreciated as a centrepiece rather than merely a functional vessel. Displayed on a dining table, console, sideboard or collector's cabinet, it creates an immediate focal point. The ruby glass, white cane work and shimmering gold respond beautifully to changing light, giving the bowl an almost jewel-like appearance. It would make an exceptional addition to a collection of murano glass, venetian art glass or 20th-century italian decorative arts, and would equally suit a sophisticated contemporary interior. Measurements height: approximately 17.8 cm (7 in.) rim diameter: approximately 31.8 cm (12½ in.) base diameter: approximately 13.3 cm (5¼ in.) weight: approximately 1.3 kg condition excellent, pristine vintage condition. No chips, cracks, scratches or repairs noted. The glass retains its original brilliance and decorative surface, with no significant signs of use. Please examine all photographs carefully, which form an integral part of the condition . Vivarini & murano glassmaking vetreria artistica vivarini was established in murano in 1967 with the aim of promoting exceptional artistic glass while providing murano master glassmakers with the freedom to develop ambitious works of art. The company collaborated with numerous important venetian glass artists and masters, contributing to the continuing development of murano's centuries-old glassmaking tradition. Zanfirico & latticino zanfirico is one of the most technically demanding decorative techniques associated with venetian glass. It involves the use of twisted glass canes containing intricate internal threads or lattices, which are gathered and incorporated into the molten glass to create elaborate patterns. Latticino refers to the characteristic opaque milk-white glass canes or threads traditionally used in venetian glassmaking. When combined with transparent glass, these canes produce striking geometric and spiral effects. The present bowl demonstrates the beauty of these techniques particularly well, with the white latticino work intertwined with ruby-coloured canes and shimmering 24k gold inclusions. Venetian craftsmanship murano has been synonymous with artistic glassmaking for centuries. Venetian glassmakers developed highly specialised techniques for manipulating hot glass, including intricate cane work, latticino, filigrana, gold inclusion and elaborate sculptural forms. This bowl is a wonderful expression of that tradition, combining several of these techniques within a single substantial centrepiece. A magnificent example of italian mid-century art glass, offering both exceptional decorative impact and considerable technical interest for the serious murano collector. A matching barovier & toso double candlestick, together with a related single candlestick, is also featured in the accompanying photographs and is available separately. See less