estateRUTH.

Identification

Murano Style Amber Bullicante Art Glass Vase

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

The vase features a thick clear glass base that transitions into an amber body with a controlled bubble (bullicante) pattern, culminating in an organic, pulled rim.

Story

The 'bullicante' technique—introducing controlled grids of air bubbles into thick glass—was perfected in Murano, Italy, during the 1930s and became highly popular globally in the mid-20th century. While strongly associated with Venetian glassmakers, the technique was widely emulated by Scandinavian (e.g., Kosta Boda), British (Whitefriars), and American studios. Without a signature or original foil label, this piece is categorized as a mid-century style art glass vase of undetermined origin.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

Based on the limited visual evidence, the main body of the vase appears intact with no obvious catastrophic damage. However, critical areas such as the pulled rim and the base are not fully visible or detailed in the description.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for mid-century art glass is highly stratified. Verified pieces by top Murano makers (Venini, Barovier & Toso) or Scandinavian designers (Hoglund) command strong premiums in dealer and auction settings. However, unmarked or generic 'Murano style' pieces flood online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy, where they often trade for under $50. Buyers are currently looking for large, statement pieces with documented provenance; smaller, unbranded vases move slowly and require competitive pricing.

Value Drivers

▲ Classic mid-century modern aesthetic with popular amber coloration appeals to retro decor buyers.

▲ Controlled bubble (bullicante) technique demonstrates skilled glassblowing and adds visual texture.

▲ Heavy, thick-walled construction suggests quality manufacturing.

Concerns

▼ Unverified dimensions — if this is a small bud vase rather than a large centerpiece, value drops toward the $15-$30 floor.

▼ Unverified base — a missing maker's mark or label caps the piece in unbranded territory.

▼ Unknown condition — any hidden rim chips, base flakes, or internal water clouding will severely depress value.

Best Venue

List on a broad online marketplace like eBay or Etsy with clear, well-lit photos against a neutral background. Before listing, measure the exact height and width, and take a close-up photo of the base to show the pontil mark and natural wear. Price conservatively around $50-$75 with 'Best Offer' enabled, unless the piece is exceptionally large (over 10 inches), which would justify a higher asking price.

Upside Potential

If a close inspection of the base reveals an acid-etched signature (such as Erik Hoglund or a specific Murano maestro) or if the piece is exceptionally large (12+ inches), the value could shift toward the $250-$400+ dealer retail tier seen in the premium comps.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 12 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Pamono
    Amber Murano Bullicante Glass Ashtray from Barrovier, Italy, 1960s
    Different form (ashtray instead of vase).
    $1,041
  • Jan Showers
    Amber Murano glass vase with bullicante inclusions, c. 1960
    Link could not be verified.
    $925
  • 8 Holland Street
    French, Amber Bullicante Vase
    Link could not be verified.
    $450
  • 8 Holland Street
    French, Amber Bullicante Vase
    Link could not be verified.
    $360
  • Bradford's Auction Gallery· 2021-07-18
    LARGE VINTAGE CONTROLLED BUBBLE AMBER ART GLASS PAPERWEIGHT
    Different form (paperweight instead of vase).
    $360
  • Haute Curature
    1970s Italian Murano Bullicante Turquoise Teal and Amber 'Kraken' Art Glass Vase
    Link could not be verified.
    $340
  • Chairish
    Heavy Murano-Style Amber Bullicante Glass Vase
    Excerpt indicates this is a flower frog, not a vase. Trusting excerpt over title.
    $288
  • eBay
    Vintage Paperweight Orange Amber Controlled Bubble Bullicante Glass Sphere MCM
    Different form (paperweight sphere instead of vase).
    $84
  • District· 2025-06-08
    Murano Amber Bullicante Irregular Shaped Ash Tray Trinket Dish Vintage MCM 1970s
    Different form (ash tray/trinket dish instead of vase).
    $75
  • Haywards Antiques & Collectables
    Thomas Webb Amber Controlled Bubble Vase Circa 1930's 9 Inches Tall
    Link could not be verified.
    $59
  • Toovey's
    A mixed group of studio and art glass, 20th century, including a Scottish vase... and an amber controlled-bubble vase
    Mixed group lot of multiple items, which distorts the valuation for a single vase.
    $30
  • Reeman Dansie
    Three Whitefriars Amber controlled bubble vases including one with original Whitefriars label, 18cm, 19cm and 14.5cm
    Link could not be verified.
    $28