Topic: Murano? Glass Fountain

[kzimmv]

Hi, 
I recently acquired this beautiful fountain, reportedly from the 1920's and of Italian origin.  I don't doubt that it is Italian glass and believe that it is pretty old.  It's a very large fountain, probably 4 1/2 feet tall and the pottery bowl is about 2' wide.  Right now the fountain is broken down and boxed so I don't have exact measurement.
There is a remnant of a paper label (which I don't have a photo of yet) that would possibly help to identify the maker.  It only shows a blue border with the letter A..the rest is gone.
I appreciate any input that you can offer.  Thank you.
(http://home.windstream.net/karenzv/photos/fountain1.jpg)
(http://home.windstream.net/karenzv/photos/fountain2.jpg)
(http://home.windstream.net/karenzv/photos/fountain3.jpg)

[Max]

Whoa! That is an amazing fountain!   

Have a look at the GlassGallery, Murano stickers:  http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/thumbnails.php?album=102

...look at Barovier and Barbini, perhaps they might be close.

[soledivo]

i think I've just died an gone to heaven,
 thats gorgeous,

I can see why Max said Barovier and Barbini, the style of the swans is very similar to a barbini swan I have.   :hiclp: :hiclp:

[kzimmv]

Whoa! That is an amazing fountain!   

Have a look at the GlassGallery, Murano stickers:  http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/thumbnails.php?album=102

...look at Barovier and Barbini, perhaps they might be close.

Thank you for your comment and for the website info.  I didn't see a label there that looked like the one on the fountain.  On another website showing labels I found one of the same shape and blue design and it was shown as Frat Toso.  Here is a picture of the fountain's label:
(http://home.windstream.net/karenzv/photos/fountainlabel.jpg)

Also, what I thought was an A seems to be just part of the border.

i think I've just died an gone to heaven,
 thats gorgeous,

I can see why Max said Barovier and Barbini, the style of the swans is very similar to a barbini swan I have.   :hiclp: :hiclp:

Thank you, I felt the same way when I first saw it!! 

[TxSilver]

The label is one that the Losch's used to have on their site. They identified it as being on a Fratelli Toso piece. I haven't been able to find this label site for a while now, unfortunately. It must have been taken down. The site didn't say the label was or was not exclusive to Fratelli Toso. I wouldn't be surprised if your fountain was done by them.

I love the fountain? Is that a pasta swan on top? Gorgeous!

[kzimmv]

The label is one that the Losch's used to have on their site. They identified it as being on a Fratelli Toso piece. I haven't been able to find this label site for a while now, unfortunately. It must have been taken down. The site didn't say the label was or was not exclusive to Fratelli Toso. I wouldn't be surprised if your fountain was done by them.

I love the fountain? Is that a pasta swan on top? Gorgeous!

Hi, 

Thank you! 
I hope this is allowed, linking to another website, but here is the website where I found the label:  http://www.the-loschs.com/sigitaly.htm

No he's not pasta.  The swan at the top is like the smaller swans but he has individual glass feathers.  Unfortunately, one wing has been broken off and most but not all of the pieces are there.  The pink glass column also has a couple of nasty cracks.  For such a delicate piece, I guess I'm not surprised that it has sustained damage. 

[TxSilver]

Thank you so much for posting the link to the Losch site.  :chky: I have been missing it so much. It is newly bookmarked.

I checked some other fountains that are online. Yours is the best, IMO. Sorry to read the wing is broken, but at least it is mendable. The fountain has so much going on that it would be surprising not to have some damage after all these years.

[TxSilver]

Thought I would add a follow-up in case kzimmv is not back soon. The OP wrote to Fratelli Toso and they verified that the fountain was theirs. The fountain was being discussed on a couple of groups, but the result hasn't made it back here yet. Mystery solved.

One person noticed that the cherubs on swans (or geese) were like the ones shown on Antique Helper. They were auctioned as Barbini for Cenedese a couple of years ago. Attributions can be difficult!

[ardy]

kzimmv

This is such a beautiful object would it be possible to post a couple of maybe larger photo's of it?

I am, like everyone else is, completely entranced with this piece.

Ardy

[kzimmv]

kzimmv

This is such a beautiful object would it be possible to post a couple of maybe larger photo's of it?

I am, like everyone else is, completely entranced with this piece.

Ardy

Hi Ardy...it is mesmerizing!!!  When I saw it I knew I had to have it.....couldn't get it off of my mind...

Certainly, I'll upload some photos and post the links in a moment....
Karen