Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
An elegant, elongated art glass centerpiece bowl shaped like a Venetian gondola, featuring a striking red, white, and black core encased in thick, clear glass. This dramatic vessel showcases the complex 'sommerso' (submerged) technique, creating a floating, liquid-like ribbon of color suspended in space.
Story
Venetian glassmakers in the 1950s and 60s designed these long, sweeping bowls to mimic the iconic gondolas gliding through their city's canals. By trapping vibrant, opaque colors inside heavy clear glass, they turned ancient techniques into the ultimate space-age home accessory.
Maker / Origin
While unsigned, pieces of this distinct form and palette are highly characteristic of Murano workshops such as Mandruzzato or Seguso Vetri d'Arte. These family-run furnaces on the island of Murano revolutionized mid-century design by combining centuries-old glassblowing secrets with bold, abstract expressionism.
Condition & Value
The bowl is in good vintage condition with beautiful color clarity. The underside shows typical shelf wear and some old adhesive residue from protective felt pads, which can be easily cleaned. No major chips or cracks are visible, which is excellent as damage to the sharp tips of the bowl's ends heavily devalues art glass.
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.