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.
Preliminary identification
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
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
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.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.