Preliminary identification

Murano Sommerso Glass Ashtray, c.1960s

Photo reference

4 uploaded photos

Overview

An exquisite mid-century modern art glass ashtray or bowl featuring the iconic Venetian 'sommerso' technique. It showcases a deep, oceanic blue glass core seamlessly encased in a vibrant, lime-green outer layer with stylized, organic lobes.

Story

Crafted on the Venetian island of Murano during the height of the post-war design boom, this piece represents a revolution in glassmaking. Artisans transformed utilitarian smoking accessories into sculptural masterpieces of light and color.

Maker / Origin

While unsigned, this style is highly characteristic of prominent Murano workshops such as Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d'Arte or Mandruzzato. These master glassmakers pushed the boundaries of physics, layering molten glass of different colors without letting them bleed together.

Condition & Value

The glass shows excellent clarity and vibrant color preservation. The underside of the ashtray's base shows typical light shelf wear and minor scratching consistent with age, which is actually a helpful sign of authenticity. No major chips or cracks are visible, which keeps the value strong.

Full Research

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

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.