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Murano? Only the color is clear...

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Murano and Italian Art Glass351 of 1640Vintage Murano Art Glass BowlLuigi Onesto ashtray
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    Posted 6 years ago

    Mae76
    (10 items)

    This behemoth stands about 10" tall by about 9" across. It weighs between 4-5lbs. I'm not an expert in Italian glass, and the strongest reason I have for suspecting it's Murano is the distinctive style of the leaves/petals in a double row around the rim. Apart from that, there are a few things that give me pause: It seems to lack the sophistication of the work that comes from the island, regardless of the era -- as if it were a student's piece. Or a base fake. I hope I am wrong...First, the color of the glass and the body seem to not quite match. It appears the applied decoration at the rim is a clearer, bluer glass than the body, which seems a touch yellow in comparison. This could be explained by the way light bounces through the petals, certainly. Second, the blower of the body seems to have had a difficult time deciding if it would be fully round in shape or have segments/faces around the sides. At first glance, it all appears asymmetrical, and warpy, only on closer inspection do you realize that the warps occur at equal intervals. 12, by my reckoning. It puts me in mind of a pumpkin hooked dangerously to an air compressor. I do have to say that the floral work is masterful. Once you get past the confusion of deciding whether it's a pineapple or a squash in full blossom, the craftsmanship is wonderful. It even forms a subtle loop at the back for you to carry it, and if you balance it underneath, the opposite petal twists to make the water you pour out flow in a controlled stream. You don't see any of this engineering, you only notice it when it's used. Just brilliant. My last observation is the severity of the pontil. A rude and ugly wound in direct contrast with the artistry above it, and in a perfectly clear and simply made piece such as this, there are no color or design tricks to distract from its crude appearance. So, a pineapple or a squash? A vase or ewer? Apprentice work from Italy or a fake from who knows where? These bother me to no end. And to anyone who wants to weigh in on my mystery, I greatly appreciate it in advance. I promise to return the favor when it's something I'm better versed in. Ciao! Grazie!

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    Comments

    1. Mae76 Mae76, 5 years ago
      Thanks fortapache , Aura and AdeleC for the loves. I'm still looking/waiting to find out what this is! Any help is welcome.
    2. Mae76 Mae76, 5 years ago
      https://photos.app.goo.gl/dxN1zdJyxrQsdRSb6

      I found this piece for sale and still have no idea of the maker. Simon Pearce was not the listing that pulled up, and also its not a "Simon Pearce-y" style. Brutal pontil mark and some other vibes are making me wonder...orphan blenko?

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