Identification

Vintage Amber Controlled Bubble Art Glass Finger Vase

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

The item is a heavy art glass vase featuring a pulled, multi-lobed 'finger' or 'tulip' rim, a clear glass base, and an internal pattern of controlled bubbles (bullicante) within amber-colored glass.

Story

The organic 'finger' or 'tulip' form combined with the controlled bubble (bullicante) technique was popularized by Italian Murano glassmakers in the 1950s and 1960s. However, due to its popularity, the style was heavily exported and widely reproduced by Japanese and American studios. Without an original foil label or etched signature, this piece is considered an unattributed mid-century work in the Venetian style. The secondary market for Mid-Century Modern art glass is highly polarized.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

Based on the single provided image, the glass appears clear with good color dispersion and no obvious major cracks on the main body. However, the critical rim edges and base are not fully detailed, meaning micro-flea bites, shelf wear, or internal water staining cannot be ruled out.

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 Modern art glass is highly polarized. While documented pieces by prominent Murano designers (e.g., Seguso, Barovier) maintain strong collector demand, the market is saturated with generic, unmarked, or imported 'Murano-style' glass. Unattributed pieces move primarily as entry-level interior decor, where buyers are highly price-sensitive and prioritize color and form over provenance.

Value Drivers

Organic 'finger' form aligns with strong Mid-Century Modern decor demand.

Controlled bubble (bullicante) technique elevates the piece above plain molded glass.

Warm amber color fits well with current vintage interior design trends.

Concerns

Unverified base — missing maker marks or labels restricts the piece to generic decor pricing.

Unverified rim condition — any hidden fleabites on the delicate pulled edges would severely discount value.

Attribution ambiguity — Japanese or American mid-century copies trade at a significant discount to true Italian Murano.

Best Venue

Inspect the underside of the base carefully under strong light for any faint acid-etched signatures or remnants of a foil label. List on a broad marketplace like eBay or Etsy with clear, well-lit photos of the base and the delicate pulled rim, pricing it as 'Mid-Century Modern Art Glass' rather than definitively claiming Murano unless a mark is found.

Upside Potential

If an original Murano foil label or an Archimede Seguso signature is confirmed on the underside, the valuation range shifts into the $120-$175 attributed collector tier.

Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 6 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.

  • Quittenbaum Kunstauktionen München
    Archimede Seguso 'A bullicante' bowl, 1937
    The comp is a bowl, whereas the subject is a vase.
    $800
  • Murano Glass Gifts Co.
    Bullicante Murano Glass Amber and Gold vase
    Link could not be verified.
    $492
  • 1950s Archimede Seguso Pink Raspberry Murano Attributed Glass Bullicante Bowls - Set of 2
    The comp is a set of bowls, whereas the subject is a single vase.
    $420
  • Vintage ASEDA Amber Glass Vase - Shaped like a Brandy Balloon - H18xD14cm - Sweden
    Brandy balloon shape is completely different from the subject's pulled finger form.
    $345
  • ARCHIMEDE SEGUSO. LARGE MURANO GLASS BOWL, AMBER, BULLICANTE, ITALY, CIRCA 1950.
    The comp is a bowl, whereas the subject is a vase.
    $94
  • ARCHIMEDE SEGUSO. LARGE MURANO GLASS BOWL, AMBER, BULLICANTE, ITALY, CIRCA 1950.
    The comp is a bowl, whereas the subject is a vase.
    $94