1970s East German Harzkristall by Marita Voigt Late Atomic Space Age Faceted Glass Ball Ashtray

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.

Presenting a superb work of Italian art glass in sculpted Modernist design. The form of this piece is elegantly simple in design, with the softly ridged curves providing an excellent canvas for the refraction of light. Placed in the path of sunlight, this piece will have coloured refraction's dancing on the walls. 

The glass primarily used is Neodymium, a rare chemical element that is incorporated into the glass during the crafting process. Neodymium is sometimes known as Alexandrite, which changes colour from lilac under incandescent light or daylight and blue under fluorescent, household lights. 

Cased within the centre of this piece is a rich core of deep, raspberry pink, diffusing seamlessly using the Sommerso technique.  

A BIT OF HISTORY

Sommerso is one of the most commonly known Murano techniques, which in Italian literally means “submerged”. This technique is used to create several layers of glass (usually with different contrasting colors) inside a single object, giving the illusion of “immersed” colours without mixing. The different layers of glass is put through heat, repeatedly immersing them in pots of molten coloured glass. This technique is easily recognisable; characterised by an outer layer of colourless glass and thick layers of coloured glass inside it. The effect is as if a big drop of colour had been captured inside the clear glass.

CONDITION

Excellent. There are no chips or cracks, there is evidence of mild use / age wear (predominantly in the form of movement marks on the base - please refer to photos as part of condition report. 

MEASUREMENTS

c. 2.6" / 6.5 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 6.7" / 18 cm in diameter (across body's widest point).

Unpackaged weight:  c.2.1 kg / 2,132 g

NOTES

Dish 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.