Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A vibrant, hand-blown art glass splash bowl featuring a dramatic starburst rim in emerald green and turquoise blue. At its center, a beautifully sculpted, leaping blue glass dolphin acts as a whimsical focal point, capturing the mid-century Italian fascination with marine life.
Story
Venetian glassmakers in the 1960s became obsessed with capturing the fluid motion of the sea. This bowl brings that obsession to life, freezing a leaping dolphin in a splash of vibrant, sunlit Mediterranean water.
Maker / Origin
While often unsigned, pieces like this were produced by highly skilled Murano furnaces such as Formia, Archimede Seguso, or Chalet Glass (which employed Italian-trained emigrant artisans). These workshops specialized in 'sommerso' and freeform sculptural glass, turning functional tableware into dynamic, light-catching sculptures.
Condition & Value
The bowl appears to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips to the delicate pulled points or the dolphin's fins. The presence of the original foil label suggests it was well-preserved as a cabinet piece. Excellent condition with an intact label commands the higher end of the value range.
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.