Topic: connection between cesare toso and desna?

[bidda]

hi all,
does anyone know of a connection between Cesare Toso and Desna, Curt Schlevogt or Ida Schwetz-Lehmann? i found this figure http://www.trocadero.com/barclaygalleries/items/632211/item632211.html with a C Toso label months ago but recently came upon these http://www.desna-glass.cz/racek/en/galerieen.html (second to last image on the page) http://www.anselmoassociates.com/artistitem.php?artist_id=394 and ebay item #160219387627

the figures seem to be almost identical to me, though the one with the C Toso label is opalescent as opposed to satin and seems to have a slightly different tilt to her head (though that might be a result of the angle from which the photo was taken). could it be that these companies/artists collaborated? is it possible that the Toso piece is a deliberate copy or homage?

the striking similarities have piqued my interest so i thought i'd pose the question to the group and see if there isn't more to it than meets the eye.

thanks,
bidda

[TxSilver]

Bidda, sometimes glassmakers honor sculptures they consider great by reproducing it in glass. Some of the favored sculptures are reproduced by many glassmasters. When I read the descriptions in your links, this is what probably happened. Same sculpture, but different techniques and makers.

Anita

[Ivo]

I've seen Czech pieces appear in Italy with Italian labels before, so I would not be surprised at anything, erally.

[TxSilver]

I read the eBay Desna and Toso descriptions more carefully. They evidently purchased the molds of the original. It explains why they are so similar. It may be the only connection between them. Companies often sell their molds to other companies.

Anita

[bidda]

Ivo, would you suppose that, in those cases, the italian label was no more than an importers label, even if it bore the name of a respected manufacturer like Toso?

Anita, i originally thought they might be of the same mold but, upon closer inspection, the tilt of the head is almost certainly different (or am i seeing things?) and the collar appears slightly different. the original designs by Schwetz-Lehmann were produced as glass sculptures for Curt Schlevogt in the 1930s. Cesare Toso was working for Vetreria Morassi and C. at the time . Curt Schlevogt, under the business name "Ingrid" presented a collection in the 1934 spring fair at Leipzig so it's possible that Toso, who would have been 24 at the time, saw "girl in the wind" there and, perhaps, met with designers/directors from the Bohemian company?

citation
http://www.tosocesare.it/glass-manifacture-murano-venezia.html
http://private-tours.net/country_tour/number_50/

i suppose it's of no real consequence but i do enjoy a good mystery hee hee

have a lovely night, all

bidda

[Ivo]

Ivo, would you suppose that, in those cases, the italian label was no more than an importers label, even if it bore the name of a respected manufacturer like Toso?

I've handled figurines with a Barovier label in Milano, the antique dealer says he guarantees 100% that it is Barovier, but I know I have exactly the same figurine with a ZBS label. I don't know what to think - or rather, I do know what to think but will not say it out loud.

[bidda]

I've handled figurines with a Barovier label in Milano, the antique dealer says he guarantees 100% that it is Barovier, but I know I have exactly the same figurine with a ZBS label. I don't know what to think - or rather, I do know what to think but will not say it out loud.

well... that's just upsetting.  :spls: