1960s Italian Murano Sommerso Sculpted Art Glass Neodymium / Alexandrite and D. Pink Dish

THE ITEM
This intricately painted work is Cantonese Enamelware, a technique of hand-painting and firing enamel introduced to China around the18th century. Cantonese Enamelware is different from Cloisonne or 'Cloisonné' technique, which is metalwork decorated with enamel applied to sections separated by wire or thin metal.

This particular set comprises of a matchbox cover, two ashtrays and a storage tin made of copper. The set is rare as all pieces are decorated in the same design and colour palette. What is rarer is that although the pieces are in delicate condition, the wear on the decor is relatively light.

The design theme present on all pieces is the striking Lapis blue background which is overlaid with stylised peaches and peach blossom. The design is typical of the Art Deco and Art Nouveau period when design often included influences from the East. Each piece is further decorated with their own ancient familial scenes. The interior and undersides of the tin and ashtrays are decorated with a pale Turquoise blue.

CONDITION
Good. Apparent wear is present to the enamel of each piece that is commensurable with the age. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report.

MEASUREMENTS
- Storage Tin. Height (including lid): c. 2.2" / 5.6 cm x c. 4.1" / 10.5 cm length. Width: c. 3" / 7.5 cm.
- Matchbox Cover. Height: c. 0.9" / 2.3 cm x c. 2.3" / 5.8 cm length. Width: c. 1.6" / 4 cm.
- Ashtray. Height: c. 0.6" / 1.5 cm x c. 3.3" / 8.3 cm length. Width: c. 2.4" / 6 cm.
Unpackaged weight [full set]: c. 0.3 kg / 268 g

NOTES
Set will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

THE ITEM

This piece is from late in the fabulous Atomic Space Age design movement. The cobalt blue resign glass ball is interspersed with clear glass facet circular 'windows' and finished with the brass accents. 

Designed by a young Marita Voigt during the design period where the architecture, industrial design, commercial design, interior design, and fine arts were all heavily influenced by the themes of atomic science, as well as the Space Age. 

This faceted design series was an icon of GDR design by Voigt for Harzkristall in the early Seventies.

A BIT OF HISTORY
In 1946, Sudeten Germans were expelled from their homeland and founded the Hohlglasveredelungsgenossenschaft Wernigerode as a 'resettler cooperative'. 

The glassworks is the only and northernmost glassworks in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany and today, is one of the few glassworks in Germany that produces mouth-blown products. Areas of expertise include vases, glass lights and the production of glass parts and lamps for the preservation of monuments and glass art products in collaboration with renowned artists.

Since 2013, Harzkristall has been part of the Gerhard Bürger Foundation, which promotes the promotion of science and research, art and culture, preservation and preservation of monuments as well as the promotion of education, vocational training and student support.

CONDITION

Excellent, no chips or cracks. There is age-wear that is commensurable with the age of the piece in the form of minute scratches (mainly on the base) and a mild patina on the brass accents. 

MEASUREMENTS
c. 3.1" / 8 cm tall x 3.1" /  8 cm in diameter.

Unpackaged weight:  0.2 kg / 151 g

NOTES
Glass will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

THE ITEM
These stunning Murano works of incredible opalescent glass set light refractions dancing within the glass. The glass is early Opaline glass, a technique that incorporated bone ash into the crafting process and is most evident in sunlight which shows off fiery orange and red hues. The six pieces featured here are a 'tobacciana' or a smoke set, typical to the popularity of the time to make a fashion statement through decorative personal or home decor accessories.

Today, it's much more likely to be a well-loved jewel in the crown of a well-cared for collection.
The set consists of:
3 Small segment ridged dishes
1 Large wide low dish
2 Lighters (1 gas, 1 lighter fluid)

The filigree decor style of the brass ormulu is in the High Style Design of the Eames Era with evident Art Nouveau influences. It is also similar to that of the French Bulle Savon glass (Bulle Savon literally translates to 'soap bubble' to imitate the sheen of iridescence of a soap bubble.), popular in the early 20th century.

CONDITION

There is no sign of use wear on any of the pieces; there is natural patina from antiquity on the brass, which could be polished up or kept for its charm if preferred and there is wear in line with age on the base of the larger glass dish.

All pieces except for the large dish have original labels;
Of the three small dishes; 2 have yellow Murano labels and 1 has red.
Of the lighters; both have red Murano labels,

MEASUREMENTS
Small segment dish: c. 1.5" / 4 cm in height x c. 2.6" / 6 cm in diameter
Large wide low dish: c. 2" / 5 cm in height x c. 4.8" / 12 cm in diameter
Lighters: c. 3.5" / 9 cm in height x c. 2.6" / 6 cm in diameter

Unpackaged weight (full set) c. 1.1 kg / 1,073 g

NOTES
Set will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY
Fratelli Toso was founded in 1854 by Pietro Toso and his six enterprising sons; Ferdinando, Carlo, Liberato, Angelo, Giovanni and Gregorio. The name 'Fratelli Toso' literally translates to 'Brothers Toso'.
Initially, glass production was mostly aimed at functional objects such as bottles and flasks for pharmaceutical and domestic use. But with the help of Vincenzo Zanetti (another great glass artist!) and with endless hours of work and practice, Pietro’s sons developed their skills and perfected their technique for hand made glass.

In the years to follow, the company withstood many trials and tribulations, from wars to harsh economic crises, the company would go on to survive to this day as the well known Antica Vetreria Fratelli Toso, carrying its 150 years of glassmaking expertise.