THE ITEM
This stunning work is of Modernist art glass is a celebration of the highly skilled Murano Sommerso technique. Sommerso is one of the most famous Murano techniques, ['Sommerso' translation: 'submerged']. Sommerso is used to create several layers of glass (usually with different contrasting colours) inside a single object, giving the illusion of immersed' colours without mixing. This technique is easily recognisable; characterised by an outer 'casing' of clear glass and the thick 'bands' of coloured glass inside it.
This particular piece has the sought after triple layer Sommerso, beginning with a core of deep Teal blue-green, the next layer is vibrant Emerald green and the final layer is an electric Cyan blue. The work is finished with tapered 'wings' in a translucent Magenta pink.
The cased layers are arranged in an abstract pitcher shape with gently exaggerated rim. The effect of each colour is similar to freezing the moment in time when a paintbrush is dipped into water and the colour ripples outwards.
CONDITION
Very Good. There is light surface and use wear, primarily in the form of movement scratches on the underside of the base. There are 2 minor flakes on the underside of the base (the larger measuring a max of 4mm) which are not visible when the vase is upright and is commensurable with the age of the piece. Mentioned for completeness: There are 2 faint inversions and mild smattering towards the base of each pink 'wings', these are from where the glass artist would have applied the wings to the body, working the glass whilst it was still hot and not damage. Please refer to photos as part of the condition report.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 9.8" / 25 cm tall by 4.2" / 10.6 cm width (across body's widest point). Base diameter: c. 1.7" / 4.2 cm. Depth: c. 2" / 5 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.3 kg / 1,320 g
NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Luigi Onesto (b. 1935 - ) is one of the most famous makers of Italian Murano art glass. Born in Murano, Italy to a family of glass-makers, Onesto was immersed in the art from an early age. At 15, he honed his craft during his apprenticeship at Gambaro & Poggi, one of the oldest and leading glassmaking companies in Italy at the time. Eventually, he founded his own art glass studio, Vetreria Artistica Oball, where he now works with his sons.
Onesto's work is characterised by his exceptionally skilled use of the Sommerso technique. Sommerso involves layering multiple colours of glass for a very distinctive and beautiful effect. It is not a simple process by any means and in the hands of lesser artists, the effect is often ruined by the presence of air bubbles between the layers.